Self-esteem and physical and emotional integrity of people are very important, starting with children. But nevertheless, in many parts of the world, in many families, violence is used as a disciplinary method, undermining the children.
The document "Violence as a disciplinary method in childhood" analyzes the consequences of the use of physical or psychological violence in children, describing the use of these methods according to the countries and the characteristics of the children. Because, unfortunately, corporal punishment in the world continues to be seen as acceptable.
These are data extracted from UNICEF's "Hidden in full light" report, with such impressive figures that four out of every five children between the ages of 14 and 14 are victims of some type of violent disciplinary practice at home, with percentages ranging from 45 % in Panama to 95% in Yemen.
And although it is clear that children must be educated to learn to behave properly, we must do so with respect if we do not want violence to perpetuate, passing from generation to generation as a "normalized" method.
As they remind us in the report, the child must be guided so that he knows how to handle his emotions and conflicts in a way that favors sensibility and responsibility, in addition to self-esteem, dignity and physical and psychological integrity. It is an accompanied learning process, from respect.
Physical strength or verbal intimidation, shouting, are useless, although sometimes they arise from a lack of control or frustration. But do all parents know non-violent educational methods? Starting from the basic steps to raise in positive and without punishment, we must seek a positive parentality and not do to our children what we would not like them to do to us.
Knowing this Unicef data allows us to remember that violence as a disciplinary method in childhood It is far from being eradicated and makes us wonder, am I doing well with my children?
