I wouldn’t call that child abuse at all! Abusive people aren’t at all interested in the well being of their victim. They merely exploit others either physically, mentally, emotionally, verbally, or sexually for their own emotional gratification with no regard for others. Furthermore, their ‘punishment’ of others is exaggerated for the circumstance, as well as excessive for the age and reasoning of the other.
If mom were battering a two year old like that, THEN I’d say Hell YES that’s child abuse.
But at 16 years old, he’s taller than her and more powerful. Physically, he can defend himself. He’s in the open, not trapped in a space he can’t get out of.
Her’s was appropriate for the circumstance, and the size, age, and capabilities of understanding of the kid. She was taking control of an out of control kid and well within her rights and authority to do so.
I would say that this woman dearly LOVES her children.
Furthermore...
I’ve seen way too many comments of judgementalism toward her which IS inappropriate AND abusive! Until the facts come out, none of you has ANY idea of what her personal circumstances were nearly 20 years ago when she began to have children.
You don’t know if she did in fact have a very good husband who may have died through no fault of his/her own. You just assume she was a welfare seeking slut, and you denigrate her based on your own unsupported, personal prejudices and mere assumptions. It’s worse than the pot calling the kettle, black and serves NO good purpose.
The fact of the matter is, she is young enough to have aborted each and every one of her children if all she was interested in was play. She could have played the harlot for a pretty penny...a whole hell of a lot more than what a welfare check pays, without half the diapers and tears.