I don't think "You" are at high risk, it's just that most of those who abuse their kids were abused. It's an education thing; if you're aware and working against it, you'll be fine; your kids might end up in jail from lack of discipline, but you won't abuse them I didn't have kids partly because I had so much anger retained at my stepmother and can get short tempered, fast. I was worried it might be too difficult. I didn't do well with my first cat and its antics I didn't like (didn't abuse it but came close when it wouldn't "obey"; like one can get a cat to obey :-) so didn't think I should graduate to children.