What is appropriate may become a legal issue if it appears that the discipline borders on abuse. The law protects children from abuse and neglect. All states have parental child abuse and neglect laws. Neglect is generally considered to be failure to provide the child with adequate food, shelter, supervision and education. Generally, abuse refers to situations where the supervising adult intentionally physically harms the child, although it can include the infliction of emotional distress as well.
Many states allow abuse claims to be filed years after the event took place.
Some states make parents financially responsible for damage caused by their children. Usually a parent is not liable for the negligent acts of the child unless the child is acting under the parents direction or control. The injuries caused by a minor child may in some circumstances be covered by the parents homeowners insurance. The courts will not generally enforce contractual obligations of children except as they relate to items necessary for their health and welfare. The contracts of a child are considered voidable, that is, they can be voided and invalidated by the child upon reaching the age of majority.