Parents Victimised by their Children

The author has worked with over 60 families where children have been violent to parents. In the light of this experience (and a review of the scant literature) he identifies two common patterns: sole mothers being victimised by children after having experienced violence from partners: and over-responsible parents, often middle class, being victimised by over-entitled children. This, the first of two articles, looks at some of the basic issues involved and offers some ideas on working with parents. The second article will focus on how to work with the young people involved. (author abstract)