Lisa Dunning, Marriage & Family Therapist
Parent / Child Relationship Expert

Lisa Dunning, Family Therapist Articles on School Bullying, Outside Influences, Parenting, Child Obesity, Child Abuse & Child Neglect

All child abuse and child neglect articles are written to help victims.  Scroll down the page to find any article of interest to you.  Every article opens in a new window allowing you to view many articles without losing this page.

Look here soon to find more child abuse and child neglect articles as well as more school bullying articles and articles on good parenting techniques, interpersonal communication articles and cooperative learning articles by Lisa Dunning, Family Therapist - Parent / Child Relationship Expert.

Article Title: Effects of Divorce on Children

When a couple decides their marriage is over, a tremendous sense of grief and relief are felt.  A recently divorced person will feel grief over the loss of their marriage and the loss of their partner in life.  But there is also a sense of relief that the pain and anguish is now over and their healing can begin.  For couples without children, divorce is a far simpler process.  They are not continually seeing each other to bring up all those bad feelings over and over again.  Unfortunately when children are involved this is just not possible.  The effects of divorce on children make ending a marriage far more complicated when kids are involved.. . . (read more of the article on the effects of divorce on children)

Article Title: How Drug And Alcohol Abuse Affect An Addicts Ability To Parent

Many people wonder how a person like Britney Spears, who appears to have it all, would enter into the world of addiction. Non-addicts have difficulty understanding how Britney Spears can choose to get "high" over parenting her own children. Many non-addictive people think that parenting instincts come natural and nothing could interfere with a person's ability to love and raise their children appropriately. Britney Spears with the help of the media is showing the world how an addict loses all sense of purpose and what is truly important in life. . . (read more of the article on drug and alcohol abuse affect on addicts ability to parent)

Article Title: Relationship Problems Begin With Poor Communication

Many relationship problems often begin with poor communication. Many couples often feel that their partner should know what they are thinking and do not communicate their thoughts and wants to them. When couples start to experience poor communication in their relationship this is when the start of relationship problems begin... . . (read more of the article on relationship problems and poor communication)

Article Title: Getting Out Of Abusive Relationships

Many people who end up in abusive relationships came from a family of abuse. Either they were abused as children or they experienced domestic violence with their parents or possibly both. When a person only knows abuse it is difficult to get out of abusive relationships. The following suggestions are offered to help end the abuse. . . (read more of the article on abuse relationships)

Article Title: Psychological Effects of Child Abuse

Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child abuse often become child abusers themselves or can become perpetrators of violent crimes. Many inmates in our jails and prisons have been victims of child abuse. Though the psychological effects of child abuse cannot be reversed, through counseling a child can learn more appropriate coping skills in dealing with their pain and anger.. . . (read more of the article on the psychological effects of child abuse)

Article Title: Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Many families do not want to believe their child is being sexually abused even if the signs of child sexual abuse are staring them straight in the face. Unfortunately many families are in a similar situation where both parents are working full time and someone other than the biological parents are caring for their children. Under these circumstances the potential for child sexual abuse is more prevalent. Obviously under these circumstances it is tremendously important for parents to watch for the signs of child sexual abuse.. . . (read more of the article on the signs of child sexual abuse)

Article Title: Breaking The Cycle of Child Abuse

Children are the innocent victims of child abuse, but sadly many abused children become abusers themselves. One would think that the exact opposite would be the norm, but we are what lived and if a child grows up with abuse, they are more likely to become abusers themselves. . . (read more of the article on child abuse)

Article Title: What Duane Dog Chapman aka "Dog The Bounty Hunter", Don Imus, Michael Richards, Ty Pennington and Matt Roloff Do Not Have In Common

Duane Dog Chapman, aka "Dog The Bounty Hunter" has lost his show due to the use of a racial slur on a taped conversation between Duane Chapman and his son. Duane Chapman has since made numerous public apologies. I am not condoning the use of the racial slur by Duane Dog Chapman and I understand why A&E ceased airing "Dog The Bounty Hunter" immediately after the release of the tape. The A&E network has to guard against potential backlash from viewers and prominent African American leaders. But the A&E network, the media and the public are making a mistake when they place Duane Dog Chapman in the same category as Michael Richards and Don Imus. And the networks, the media and the public are also making an even bigger mistake when they do not place Ty Pennington and Matt Roloff in the same category as Duane Dog Chapman.. . . (read more of the article on about Duane Dog Chapman aka "Dog The Bounty Hunter")

Article Title: MySpace A Place For Friends At MySpace.com
But For Many Teens A Place To Avoid

For many teens, "MySpace A Place For Friends" at MySpace.com can be a positive experience. With parental approval and continuous parental monitoring many teens engage in healthy peer interaction. But I have discovered a group of teens that are actively using the Internet and "MySpace A Place For Friends" in a way that is causing more harm than good. . . (read more of the article on the group of teens that every parent needs to learn more about)

Article Title: Father's Day:  Why Do We Make Dad Work?

It seems strange to me that on Mother’s Day, many families take moms out to eat, but on Father’s Day many dads slave over a hot grill, barbecuing for their family. Dads are expected to work hard all year long and don’t even get a much deserved day off on Father’s Day. . . (read more of the article on Father's Day:  Why do we make dad work?)

Article Title: Experience Mother's Day In A Whole New Way

Mother's Day is the day when sons, daughters and husbands buy gifts and flowers to recognize the incredible work mom has done raising the children. But some moms are unknowingly cheating themselves out of the full experience of Mother's Day. Many moms treat Mother's Day as a completely external experience when Mother's Day could be about so much more than just the well-deserved flowers and gifts. . . (read more of the article on experiencing Mother's Day in a whole new way)

Article Title: Planned Parenthood Prevents Teen Pregnancies

Planned Parenthood is an alternative for teenagers when they do not know where else to turn. They offer education on parenting, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy precautions and offer support for individuals who want to terminate their pregnancy. Teens are provided guidance and education from trained staff members rather than receiving all their information about sex from their peers.. . . (read more of the article on Planned Parenthood)

Article Title: Preventing Violence In Schools

Parents send their children to school thinking their child will be safe, cared for and protected. Sadly many children experience violence in schools of one form or another. . . (read more of the article on preventing violence in schools)

Article Title: How do parents increase their influence over the negative effects of mass media, the internet and the rest of the outside world?

The increasingly competitive economy is creating an environment where parents are forced to spend longer hours at work and fewer hours with their children.  As a result, outside influences have greater access and influence over our children than ever before. . . (read more of the article on negative child influences)

Article Title: Bullies in Elementary Schools, Middle Schools or High Schools (Is your child being bullied?)

For Many children school is a great place to learn, socialize and build self-esteem. But for a child who is bullied, school can be a place of terror. If you notice your child exhibiting any of the following 5 behaviors, there is a good chance your child is being bullied. . . (read more of the article on school bullying)

Article Title: Welcome to the World of Parenting your Child!

You have now joined the club of sleep deprivation, constant worrying, conversations about poopy diapers and experiencing fluctuating doubts and anxiety as to your ability to parent. Becoming a new parent can be stressful and exhausting but it will also be the most rewarding experience in your life. . . (read more of the article to new parents)

Article Title: How to Choose A Therapist that is Right for You

You have reached a point in your life when you feel a need to seek professional help, but how do you find a therapist that is right for you? . . . (read more of the article on choosing a therapist)

Article Title: Birds And Bees:  Have The Sex Talk

An article printed November 28th, 2003 in the Las Vega Sun reported: "Nevada leads the nation for teens with multiple babies. It went on to report that in 2003, "One in four teens who gave birth . . . already had at least one child. That was the highest rate in the country, matched only by Texas.". . . (read more of the article on having the "SEX" talk with your teen)

Article Title: A Mothers Day Moment

Being a mother is one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs there is. Years of tireless love and attention are rewarded with small milestones and a refrigerator covered in art projects. A necklace made from cheerios can bring a tear of joy to a mother's eye. A loving attempt to fix Mom breakfast resulting in a messy kitchen, is not so bad when you know your child did it out of gratitude and love. . . (read more of the article on taking care of yourself on Mothers Day)

Article Title: How To Choose The Best Childcare Facility

Every parent has viewed children being mistreated in childcare facilities on news broadcasts. Parents who are able to stay home to care for their children feel a tremendous sense of relief that their children are safe at home. But for parents who must leave their children in the care of a childcare facility, these news stories are frightening and can bring on tremendous feelings of guilt. If you are a parent who must use childcare facilities to care for your children here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing the right facility for you and your children. . . (read more of the article on childcare facilities)

Article Title: Child Anger Management Techniques

Being angry is a normal emotion. Unfortunately many parents treat anger as an inappropriate behavior instead of a normal emotion that requires child anger management techniques. Instead of defusing their child’s anger many parents unknowingly increase their child’s anger. It is important for parents to know the warning signs of their child’s anger in order to help reduce the anger. Below are child anger management techniques to assist parents in helping their child defuse their child’s anger in an appropriate manner. . . (read more of the article on child anger management techniques)

Article Title: The Importance of Children Playing

You can learn a lot by watching children playing. There is no greater sight than to see children pretending to be superheroes or digging for treasure in a sandbox. To hear the laughter and see a child's excitement can bring a smile to any adult's face. An important part of a child's development is through play. A child's problem solving skills are developed through play. Children are able to work on relationships, build self-esteem and decrease their anger. In the course of a child's life adults usually teach children, but on the playground children can teach adults how to have fun. . . (read more of the article on the importance of children playing)

Article Title: The Importance of High School Sports

High school is a time to make friends, get good grades, participate in activities and prepare for the future. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, some schools have opted out of high school sports, believing that money would be better spent on academics. I understand that academics come first, but sacrificing high school sports lessens every child's high school experience, their ability to perform at optimum academic levels and develop into a well-rounded adult. . . (read more of the article on the importance of high school sports)

Article Title: The obesity problem America faces today is nothing short of tragic, but an obese child may need individual child therapy today!

Sixty-five percent of all American adults are overweight and sixteen percent of American children are overweight. Not to minimize the horrible mental and emotional anguish of adults suffering from obesity, but children suffering from obesity and body and mass issues have some distinct disadvantages over adults suffering from obesity. . . (read more of the article on children suffering with obesity)

Any of These Child Abuse & Neglect Articles Can Be Re-published

Any of these child abuse and child neglect articles by Lisa Dunning, Family Therapist may be re-published in hardcopy (magazines, newsletters or newspapers) or electronic format in websites, ezines or electronic newsletters provided the following resource box is included at the end of the article with a link to the URL