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Intimidation "Intimidation" is form of coercion. This destructive control behavior is designed to produce fear (terror) through intimidation in order to maintain control. Considering the size, strength, experience, and knowledge of an adult as compared to a child, intimidation is easy for an abuser to achieve. Lack of knowledge, strength, size, and experience on the part of the child ends up being a destructive control opportunity for the abuser to make use of. They'll use the opportunity to intimidate in a destructive way by leading the child into feeling that they are somehow inadequate. This is accomplished by making the child feel less because of their lack of knowledge, strength, size, and experience. The child's resulting fears of inadequacy are then used to control him/her. The following statements are examples of phases used to intimidate and produce fear. - "You should have known better!" - "I don't care if you're tired!" - "Hurry-up slowpoke!" - "Get going right now!" - "You're just stupid, that's your problem!" This page sponsored in part by: Searchable database of mental health provider information.

Secret of Parenting - How to be in Charge Without Threats or Punishment