What is "punishment"?

What is "punishment"?

Jayne Major, Ph.D. (Parenting Educator & Child Custody Consultant, Breakthrough Parenting Services, Inc. ) gives expert video advice on: When should I start teaching my child discipline?; What is the most effective way to discipline a child?; What are the most common mistakes parents make when disciplining children? and more...

Punishment is anytime a parent causes pain, either emotionally or physically. That's punishment. Punishment always builds fear, and historically we've felt that children have to be afraid in order to learn and cooperate. They have to be afraid of us. Nothing has changed more than that concept for a modern parent, is children don't need to be punished and they don't need to be afraid. It's better if they're not afraid of their parents. If their parents are seen as people who love them no matter what and that they can solve problems with, that's better.