What Is Child Physical Abuse?

Physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child, or the genuine threat of
substantial harm from physical injury to the child Texas Family Code 261.001(1)

Raising a family is not easy and can be overwhelming. Below are

some positive parenting skills that can be used in place of
physical force:
(0-5 years of age)
Respond to wanted behaviors and use only brief time outs
Clarify with your child proper behaviors when expressing extreme emotions
Help your child learn the value of sharing and friendship when playing with other children

(6-11 years of age)

Help your child develop a sense of responsibility with household chores
Talk to your child about respecting others and helping people in need
Educate your child by explaining to them when behaviors are socially acceptable and not acceptable,
enforce rules, and follow through
Help your child develop a sense of right and wrong
Be clear, consistent, and explain behavior that you expect from your child when disciplining
Help your child develop proper language skills by talking to them in complete sentences using "grown
up" words

(12-17 years of age)

Be honest and clear when talking about peer pressure, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual
activities
Be specific about goals, expectations, and guide them when developing solutions to problems or conflict
If your teen uses popular social media sites (i.e Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), discuss ways to make
good decisions when accessing these sites

Signs of Physical abuse

Bruises and swollen areas
Marks on the childs face head, back, chest, genital area, buttocks, or thighs
Wounds like human bite marks, cigarette burns, broken bones, puncture marks
Impaired brain development
Poor emotional health
Socially challenged
Substance abuse
Abusive behavior
If you are having trouble disciplining your child or need positive parenting techniques contact The National
Child
Abuse hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
To report abuse call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400.

Sources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Child Welfare Information
Gateway

Sources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Child Welfare Information
Gateway