Stop Bullying Your Children

Saturday, 19 September 2015

Authoritarian disciplines will never end unless we, the adults – parents and guardians – stop bullying the next generation, who will germinate the seeds that the elders plant. Until frustrated mothers, fathers and carers STOP labelling the children in their care with condescending labels, the cycle of violence, abuse and helplessness will NEVER end. Here’s the first step:

• DO NOT call them names or put them in a “time out” – let them explain themselves
• DO NOT force them to apologise on pain of punishment – it’s demeaning and sickening
• DO NOT bark orders and expect immediate compliance
• DO NOT confiscate a favourite possession or punish them simply because your pride is wounded – reason with them
• DO NOT send them to their rooms – TALK to them
• DO NOT ground them – gently remind them to try to meet the agreed-upon conditions in the future
• DO NOT coerce or threaten them with confiscation, time-out or grounding
• DO apologise if you yell at them accidentally or intimidate them inadvertently
• DO be courteous and use manners

I will continue to fight against those who wield the rod, regardless of culture, nationality or mentality, until it is destroyed, piece by piece.

AR