Part 8/11:
In such cases, positive reinforcement and consequences are more effective than reasoning, which may be beyond their cognitive reach. For instance, children can learn that hitting or slapping results in negative outcomes—being ignored or disciplined—without needing to understand morality fully at that stage.
The Case for Balanced Discipline
The criticism extends to the idea that strictness and discipline are essential components of effective parenting. The narrative argues that overly soft parenting, driven by a fear of causing trauma or emotional harm, results in children who are unprepared for the realities of the world. Such children may lack resilience, respect for authority, or understanding that their actions have repercussions.