If the court finds that a parent is unfit and the child’s physical and emotional well-being is in jeopardy, the parent could lose custody, as well as the right to make significant parenting decisions. While the best-case scenario is for the children to have stable homes where they feel safe and secure when they are with either parent, the court will restrict parental time in the following circumstances:nThe parent is abusing the child. Child abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver intentionally harms a child. There are a number of different types of abuse including the following:nPhysical abuse: This can include hitting, punching, burning, shoving, choking, whipping or any other type of behavior that causes the child to suffer a physical injury. While spanking is not considered abuse if it does not injure the child, experts discourage this type of physical discipline. Parents should resort to non-physical forms of discipline.