Member-only story
To Whip or Not To Whip
Millennial parents are trying to balance corporal punishment with “soft talk” and understanding their children
I was on Instagram listening to a father discuss the challenges of raising children today. He said, "When you think about it, our parents used to punish us for making mistakes, such as slamming a door. However, when I observe the adults that 'soft parenting' produces, it leaves much to be desired" (paraphrased).
The comments were varied.
Below, I’ll paraphrase most of what I read:
“I will use balance: punishment and listening.”
“I was beat as a child, and I turned out fine.”
“These children today are a mess. This is what ‘soft parenting’ have gotten us.”
During my Psychology 101 course in college many years ago, one of the topics discussed was the punishment of children. My professor explained that "whippings and beatings" are harmful to children and convey the alarming message that bullying is acceptable.
I was conflicted because when I thought back to my own parents, who did all they could to avoid using physical punishment but sometimes had to, I did not get the feeling it was due to a desire to bully me. This kind of punishment deserves…
