Carolyn Hax: Does mocking a child constitute emotional abuse?

A parent often mocks and yells at their young children, and a witnessing family member worries this is abuse that's harming the kids. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sign up for this newsletter Read online Advice to help you tackle life's problems.     (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) Does mocking a child constitute emotional abuse? Adapted from an online discussion. Hi Carolyn: What specifically counts as emotional abuse of children? I've noticed a family member often mocking their children (under 10), yelling at one or more of them for something that wasn't their fault, and maybe was a different child's fault. I worry about the kids and their self-esteem, etc., as they get older. — Worried Read Carolyn's Response     ADVERTISEMENT   Answer this week's reader question Here's your chance to channel your inner Carolyn Hax and respond to a reader question. I'm 30 and I've never been on a date. Where do I start? Read more »     Want more? Carolyn's been writing her advice column for two decades. Explore the archives below. A reader's advice on dating after loss Read more »   What's 'normal' in a relationship's cycles? Read more »   Boyfriend's mom hasn't broken up with his ex Read more »     We think you'll like this newsletter Check out Plant Powered by Voraciously for our 12-week guide to cooking more plant-forward meals. Recipes, techniques and tips on Tuesdays. Sign up »

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