1980 Please Don't Hit Me Mom (ABC Afterschool Special)

A discovery of possible child abuse and excessive punishment leads the baby sitter to involve a social worker to convince the mother (played by Patty Duke Astin) that she needs help. This docu-drama is well written by Jeri Taylor and envokes much discussion. 46 minutes.

This TV movie was Sean Astin's (Patty Duke's son) professional acting debut at the age of 8.