Description

This week Ann, Dan, and Afro Becky discuss the difference between disciplining your child and child abuse.

What is child abuse?

Just-Ann disseminates Louisiana's child abuse laws and what they mean for parents who engage in corporal punishment (aka whoopin' that tail). The things that have been traditionally used in the past to "spank" children are now frowned upon and toe the line between legal and illegal.

How has spanking affected each of us? (not the freaky kind)

We all share our experiences getting spanked, objects that were used, and how it has affected us.

Child Abuse:

• Is spanking/popping/slapping child abuse?
• How about a belt/switch or other objects?
• Using physical activities as a discipline, like push-ups, running laps, etc…
• By today’s standards, were old school Catholic Schools guilty of child abuse?

How can false allegations be proven by parents?

If a child or another adult were to make false allegations, is there a way that innocent parents can defend against such allegations?

Are teachers, doctors, etc… overstepping boundaries by becoming child abuse “detectives” and involving authorities when they think there may be abuse present? Dan's theory is that younger children often aren't effectively able to articulate or communicate which can end up placing non-abusive parents into a bad situation, possibly losing their children.

• Is there a difference between cultures and ethnicity when it comes to corporal punishment?
• It's reported that psychologists say that corporal punishment is ineffective, causes mental disorders, more behavioral issues, and an increased likelihood of criminality.
• Do Black teens mature faster than their white counterparts because of the traditional use of corporal punishment versus the time-out theory?

Child Abuse in Pop Culture:

• Tyrese's mental instability. After his recent actions, should he be allowed unsupervised visitation with his daughter?
• Revisiting Adrian Peterson.

Headlines:

• Mississippi Judge refused to allow a mother to see her newborn for over a year due to unpaid court fines.
• Lawyer dog, dog.

Ask an Attorney:

• What makes a car qualify to be a lemon? (interrupted by Dan's tirade against Apple)

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