There exist a number of child behaviours that should not be subjected to punishment. Punishing these behaviours may lead to a negative psychological impact on young children. These types of behaviours include the following:

Exploratory behaviour in infants and toddlers

Normal exploratory behaviour in infants or toddlers should never be subjected to punishment as your child is in a phase where he or she is becoming accustomed to his or her environment.

Bed-wetting

Bed-wetting is a physiological event that is not under conscious control of a child and will rarely respond to rewards or punishment.

Toilet training

Children should not be punished while busy potty or toilet training. They will do so when they are ready for it.

Speech problems

Generally speech problems require professional medical assistance and a lot of work at home. Punishment will not be fair nor have no effect on a child indicating speech problems.

Accidents

Children should not be punished for accidents they are involved in. Older children may be involved in cleaning and restoration where carelessness is involved.

Irritability and negativity

Children should not be punished for being irritable or negative, especially when this is due to an illness or extreme fatigue.

Not perfect report cards

Children should never be punished for bringing home a report card that does not contain straight A’s. As a parent you may lay the groundwork for improving future report cards and place certain restrictions and rules in ensuring this.

Performance in sport

Failure to perform in sport should not invoke disciplinary measures at home. In these instances parental support and encouragement is of utmost importance.

Attention deficit disorder

A child with attention deficit disorder finds it extremely difficult to learn from mistakes and impulse control. Parents in these events require true stamina and patience.

Jason Ladock

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