Introduction The subject of teasing and name-calling of children has in the recent years received a lot of attention with researchers focusing on the impacts of these actions on the child. This attention has risen from the recognition of the negative outcomes that are associated with childhood teasing and name-calling. These forms of abuse are especially damaging since the child is emotionally vulnerable and therefore prone to traumatisation for life. Storch et al (2004) explain that experiences during childhood years play a major role in the development of a person and they contribute to the future psychosocial well being of the individual. While peer teasing and name-calling is damaging to the child, its impact is increased significantly when the parent or caregiver of the child perpetrates it. This is because these adult figures have responsibility for the child and they are supposed to offer protection and support. This paper will seek to highlight the long-term damages caused to children when they are subjected to name-calling, teasing, belittling, and other forms of verbal aggression by their parents or caregivers. Teasing and Name Calling Teasing is a typical experience throughout the development years of a person and it can play an important role during development. It is a common practice in many households and everyone takes part in it as some point in life. Teasing is a normative behaviour in all relationships and its multifaceted nature makes it very hard to analyze. Keltner et al (1998) underscore this multiplicity of teasing through their observation that “teasing is paradoxical… criticizes yet compliments, attacks yet makes people closer, humiliates yet expresses affection” (p.1231). This observation is corroborated by Langevin (2000) who reveals that teasing is ubiquitous; having both positive and negative outcomes. It can have positive outcomes when it is done in sport or mischief and in a playful and fun manner. However, incessant teasing aimed at humiliating a person can have negative effects on their growth and development. Teasing and name-calling by Parents and caregivers is especially detrimental since they have an intimate knowledge of the target of the verbal assault. Storch, et al (2004) observe that being teased about personality has broader consequences later in life than being teased about things like how you look or performance in school. Parents and caregivers are more likely to tease children on their personality in a bid to help socialize them. These teases have lasting effects on the child who is still in his formative years. Why Parents and Caregivers Tease As has been noted, teasing is regarded as normal behaviour in the society. Most parents and caregivers assume that teasing is healthy for the child. This is because teasing functions as a way of indirectly teaching social norms and values to the child. For example, by teasing a child about sucking on their thumb, an understanding by the child that this behaviour is not acceptable can be promoted. Kowalski (2003) observes that teasing assists in the promotion of social conformity by highlighting behaviour that is perceived as inappropriate within a group. Even so, pervasive teasing and verbal aggression against children has multiple negative implications on their future wel