Now Reading
5 Reasons to Refrain From Hitting Your Child

5 Reasons to Refrain From Hitting Your Child

Children have an uncanny way of making even the calmest parent flare-up, and often times, you may be inclined to give a hot smack on the back, buttocks or worse. If you constantly find yourself in this web, see 5 top reasons to refrain yourself from hitting your child.

1. Does not teach the needed lesson

So, your child does something really bad and you decide to dish out a few lashes. While writhing in pain and crying so loudly, you ask him, “Will you do that again?” And he says, “No mummy, no mummy!” You stop the beating, yell and issue further threats, and that’s all.

Your child will either try to be a lot ‘smarter’ subsequently to avoid punishment out of fear or forget about the painful episode, presenting a worse behaviour next time. You’ll beat him again and the circle continues – no lesson learned. So, how about talking to him calmly about why such behaviour is bad, what you expect from him next time and how he can set achieving that in course?

2. Promotes anger and violence

Spanking imprints the impression that it is right to solve problems through violence, especially when angry, and this will rub off on his interaction with others. You won’t be proud of that.

3. May lead to abuse

See Also

Punishment sets the stage for child abuse because when you’re angry, it’s easier to do what you’ll later regret. Some parents have ended up inflicting severe injuries on their children in the process, especially when the child showed even more defiance during punishment. So, embrace alternatives to dealing with your child’s misbehaviour without spanking. See here.

4. Reduces self-esteem

When children, young ones especially, are hit by the same parents who are supposed to protect them, it sends out the wrong signal and causes them to ask themselves, “What’s wrong with me? I must be bad.” Do your child a favour by embracing these alternatives to spanking.

5. Builds Resentment

Hitting your child constantly may eventually ruin chances of developing a quality relationship with them. Often, children start acting withdrawn to avoid letting you notice anything that may step on your toes. You wouldn’t want your child turning to an outsider, so, commit to becoming a calmer parent.

View Comments (17)

Copyright © 2021 Motherhood In-Style Magazine. All Rights Reserved.