You would think this wouldn’t be such a radical statement but it is.

So, from the time I was twelve I’ve been a babysitter and now working at an ECE facility with ages 3-6. Today, the topic of corporal punishment came up with other people that are childcare workers.

There is a viral video of a little girl being punished with an object because she laughed during her family’s thanksgiving prayer. That’s what started the argument. These individuals I was conversing with were so angry that I mentioned that we don’t hit the children to get them to behave at school so I don’t see why it’s needed at home. I can’t even fathom hitting a child let alone even yelling at them. Do we get frustrated when kids don’t listen? yes, But I quickly redirect and deal with it by leaning on coworkers or asking for advice.

These individuals then twisted it to say that people like me are too soft and the reason why teachers are quitting because kids don’t receive discipline.

Now, nowhere did I mention that I didn’t believe in natural consequences and also modeling behavior that is age appropriate to show a child what to do.

So in the instance of the video when asked what would I do about the little girl laughing when she was supposed to be quiet during prayer, I mentioned giving her three warnings and if she didn’t listen then she would have to be removed/redirected to a different activity away from the group. When she was ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior then she could come back. Of course that’s always hit or miss with kids but any other option isn’t an option for me.

Exactly what we would do at work. apparently this was the wrong answer. Which sets off alarm bells for me. Do I think I’m a parent and can step in their shoes and tell them how to discipline? No. Do I think hitting children is barbaric. Yes. and I can’t think of a reason that a person in childcare would even look at children the way they do (this person referred to kids as brats and demons).

I don’t know. Being called sensitive for actually wanting to be a decent human to kids irks me in a different way. Even if I did agree with it, as a childcare worker it’s not my place to enforce that type of action. I was told I’m easily manipulated by the kids and let them walk all over me. I can’t fathom ever going to work and being like “hey you aren’t listening so I’m going to beat and berate you until you do.”

Just some thoughts as I go to bed tonight.