What is a common characteristic of parents who exhibit abusive behavior towards their children?

Parents who exhibit abusive behavior towards their children often display emotional immaturity. This characteristic can manifest as difficulty managing feelings, poor impulse control, and an inability to respond appropriately to stressful situations. Emotional immaturity may lead to an environment where frustration and anger are expressed in harmful ways, creating a cycle of neglect or abuse. These parents might struggle to understand and meet their child's emotional needs, which can further exacerbate the abusive dynamics.

In contrast, high emotional intelligence and effective coping skills typically help individuals recognize and manage their emotions constructively, fostering supportive environments for their children. Similarly, strong support systems provide parents with resources and strategies to handle parenting challenges without resorting to abusive behavior.