Verbal Abuse of Children

In response to “Cruelty That Is Not Unusual” (Column One, Dec. 12):

“When you’re a parent, you snap at your child, that’s not emotional abuse--that’s something you apologize for. But, when it gets to be chronic, and the child starts suffering, then it’s emotional abuse.” This was attributed to a California mental health authority.

This statement epitomizes the tragedy of the child in our society. It’s analogous to dropping a computer on the floor and declaring, “no harm done,” if the lights come back on when you plug it in.

Does a little abuse do no harm? Is “a lot of abuse” the only abuse with which we need to concern ourselves? What is the acceptable level of “wear and tear” on a child’s psyche? Zero? Some? Until he drops or goes crazy?

We must understand that any “snapping” at a child, hitting him, yelling at him, calling him names, ignoring him, terrorizing him, treating his needs as inferior to our own, punishing him for revenge, etc., absolutely damages his soul and is cumulative in effect.

He is not our property. We cannot do with him whatever we will.

THOMAS L. THOMPSON

Balboa