For example, normal, active children get some bruises and bumps from everyday playing. These bruises are mostly over bony areas such as knees, elbows, and shins. But, if you see a child with injuries on other parts of the body, such as the stomach, cheeks, ears, buttocks, mouth, or thighs, you should think twice. Black eyes, human bite marks, and round burns the size of a cigarette, don't come from everyday play. In most child abuse cases, parents do not really want to hurt their children.
Most abuse happens when adults have a hard time controlling their anger.
However, even if they don't mean to, a parent who abuses a child might do it again, especially if other stresses are not handled. They may need help from an outside agency, such as a local Parents Anonymous chapter. If you have abused your own child or feel that you might, talk with a trusted friend, pediatrician, or clergyman. He or she might send you to someone who can help. Emotional abuse is one of the most common and harmful forms of child abuse.