It is critical not to spank, strike, or slap a child of any age. Babies and toddlers are especially unlikely to establish any link between their conduct and physical punishment. They will only experience the impact's misery. Don't forget that children learn by observing people, especially their parents. If someone smacks them even once they will take note of this and do it themselves later.
There are two main reasons why slapping or hitting a child is wrong: first, because it teaches them that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict, and second, because it can cause injury to them. Slapping a baby or toddler can damage their developing brains and lead to long-term problems with attention span, memory, and behavior control.
Young children don't understand what anger is or why someone would want to slap them if they show anger in the wrong way. Therefore, they cannot protect themselves from being slapped unless they learn how to control their emotions. When you hit a child they learn that violence is an effective way to resolve their problems or obtain what they want. This can lead them to act out violently as adults, such as using drugs and alcohol abuse.
In addition to being harmful to babies and young children, slapping or hitting a child also teaches them that this is how they should behave towards others. It tells them that if they get angry enough or violate one of your rules then you have the right to use force against them.
Check to see whether your conduct is suitable for a role model.
Physical discipline involves hitting or physically punishing children to teach them lessons about behavior. This can include spanking them with an open hand, slapping them, kicking them, throwing things at them, and even locking them inside a car or closet.
While some parents believe this type of discipline helps their children develop self-control, others feel it is abusive. Both views are correct since no form of discipline is appropriate or effective for all children. Rather, what's necessary is to find the method that's right for you and your child.
The best form of discipline is one that teaches children by example rather than through physical force. This means showing children by our actions how they should be treated by others. Through patience and consistency, we can help our children learn from their mistakes and grow into responsible adults.
It's important to note that although toddlers and babies cannot retaliate against us, they do experience pain as an unpleasant sensation. Therefore, any form of physical discipline is considered abuse if done too often or without just cause.
Toddlers hitting is developmentally natural. It is the parent's responsibility to oversee and discipline toddlers gently and sternly until they are ready to acquire more effective communication methods. Kids will grow out of it if they receive assistance (skills training) rather than a violent example (hitting back).
What should you do if your toddler strikes?
Because a feeling of compassion does not fully develop until about the age of three, toddlers may not comprehend that striking can be painful. Even if your child understands the concept, she may be unable to stop herself—1-year-olds have absolutely no impulse control.
A 7-year-old, on the other hand, should not attack anyone, especially his parents. I agree with you that punishment is not the answer since it teaches your child that using force is OK. Because your kid does not yet have the ability to regulate these overwhelming sensations from within, talking has limitations. How does a youngster acquire the skill?
I adore my child and don't want to do anything that would harm her in the long term. Thank-you! I understand your dissatisfaction. Five is too old to be physically retaliating, and disciplining her would just make matters worse. There is always a more dangerous feeling behind anger: fear, hurt, disappointment, and grief.