The habit of educating using pats was very common until recently. But with the approval, in December 2011, of the bill prohibiting this practice, a strong discussion arose about the rights and duties of the family in raising children. Now, a study by researchers at the University of Manitoba, Canada, points out that physical punishment can increase a child's chances of developing mental problems when they reach adulthood.
The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, selected 600 Americans over the age of 20 who had participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Of the respondents, 6% said they suffered physical punishment (slapping and shoving when doing something wrong) during childhood. Among these people, the probability of developing psychological disorders was 40% higher than the average of others.
Although the research authors themselves state that it cannot be taken as definitive, its results are important for parents to review their education methods, always focusing on open dialogue and the guidelines of child psychology.
The difficulties faced by families in the education of children and adolescents are a common denominator in today's society. The advancement of their technology, coupled with the fact that not all parents can keep up with these changes, further increases the relationship problems between parents and children. However, some simple attitudes can help you educate the right way without slapping.
Set an example
It is no use giving orders that you do not fulfill yourself. If you are asking your child not to speak bad words, make sure you police not to do so, if you want them to treat other people well, show that your way of treating them is the right way, and so on. Don't forget that they mirror you to assemble their own personalities. Educating by example is an efficient way to keep them on the right track.
Don't give in to the morning
Many parents, too lazy to argue with their children, eventually give in to the so-called tantrum. Children are almost professional at blackmail, and if you open your guard, they will beat you for insistence. So be firm in your positions and don't let them dictate the rules. This will prevent you from using physical force to master them.
Be honest, give sincere and consistent explanations
When your child wants to do something that you deem inappropriate, you should state your reasons. Just denying is not enough for her to learn to differentiate right from wrong. Again, direct and sincere conversation, without making up stories or making excuses, is the best way out.
Don't threaten
The threat conditions the child to act in certain ways without fully understanding the motives, learning from the situation or even understanding its importance. Threatening to take away a privilege if she misbehaves is therefore detrimental to your child's development. Threatening and noncompliance, then, can be even worse as it takes away your credibility and authority as a mother.
Always opt for dialogue to resolve conflict situations with the little ones. Hitting may seem like a good immediate solution, but over time, violence is never positive.
Does Physical Punishment Of Kids Lead To Increased Risk Of Mental Disorders In Adulthood? (April 2024)
- Children and adolescents
- 1,230
