Discipline your child using these methods instead of hitting.
The family plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s behavior and personality. Physical punishment and hitting children is a controversial topic among psychologists and parents. Almost all psychologists advise parents not to hit children. Physical punishment is a quick reaction that has minimal long-term effects.angerIt is an immediate response with short-term effects, but focusing on advantages and positive behaviors has a greater impact. Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of being hit is one of the main concerns parents face over time, as the child considers that performing a certain action will lead to them being hit by their mother or father.
Consequences of Hitting a Child
Is it really worth getting hit for that action?
If a child believes an action is worth getting hit for, they will likely do it, even if there are consequences. However, if instead of hitting, you remove one of their privileges, they will understand the high cost of their actions and will likely refrain from repeating it.SelMagzTell your child that you will return their privileges if they improve their behavior. Benefits might include a favorite toy or a daily outing.
Successful Suggested Methods forChild RearingWithout Hitting
Rewards
Instead of hitting your child for bad behavior, reward their good behavior. Reinforcing positive actions can help eliminate negative behaviors faster. Occasionally surprise your child with a small reward to motivate them to improve. Rewards encourage children to focus on the behaviors they should display rather than those that lead to punishment. These rewards could include a trip to the park, their favorite meal, or school supplies.
Teaching New Skills
Hitting does not teach new skills to your child. For example, if your child hits their sibling or friend, physically punishing them does not teach problem-solving or conflict resolution. Children need to learn basic skills like problem-solving and emotional regulation from a young age. Teaching these skills will help reduce many behavioral issues.
Sometimes, parents hit out of frustration with their child’s behavior.
Ignoring
Sometimes parental frustration can lead to hitting children. It’s important to remember that in such situations, ignoring the behavior is often more effective than reacting. Minor misbehaviors can often be ignored without needing strong reactions. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore dangerous behaviors; not every action a child takes to gain attention warrants a response.
For example, if a child is trying to get your attention by being noisy and shouting, ignore them. After a few minutes, explain that they can share their wants with you calmly to be understood.
Praising
Notice your child’s positive behaviors throughout the day and praise them for any good actions. For example, if they play nicely with their sibling, remind them of that behavior and express your gratitude. By focusing on their positive actions, you foster a positive relationship that encourages them to repeat those actions.
Do not insult your child’s character.
The goal of discipline should be to guide the child away from bad behavior, not to insult their character. You should focus on correcting the bad behavior instead.
Avoid Excessive Punishment
Avoid hitting children as it does not promote growth and does not teach them proper behavior; it is merely a reflexive response. Avoid physical punishment anddisciplining childrento prevent observing its detrimental effects on children’s physical and mental health in the future. Any action, no matter how effective, can lose its impact if done excessively. For instance, a mother who physically punishes a child for every misbehavior will eventually condition the child to expect it and continue with the behavior.
Timely Anger
Anger can also be a form of discipline. Some children are stubborn, and the methods mentioned earlier might not work for them. Yet, that doesn’t mean you should hit them. In such cases, expressing a little frustration can be helpful—just tell your child, “I’m starting to get angry with you!” This gentle expression of frustration, if used sparingly, can help break through the child’s stubbornness.
Threats and Warnings
Instead of punishing, you can use threats or warnings as a method. The aim of a threat is to instill fear regarding an outcome that the child dreads. However, ensure that these threats can be followed through when necessary; avoid making empty threats. For example, if a child misbehaves and doesn’t listen to their mother, you might say, “If you continue this behavior, I will tell your father.” This threat should remain at that level, and parental cooperation is important.
