Be the hand that loves and the word that guides

Language: English

Audience: Families

Type: Paper

Author: Nevenka Zagarac

During the last 15 years in Serbia, we have witnessed a significant change in the attitude of parents regarding which disciplinary practices yield results when it comes to forming desirable child behaviours. Today, over 90 per cent of parents agree that violent disciplining is not good for the child. The experience from professional practice and research also confirms its harmfulness. Corporal or psychological punishment harms and humiliates the child, develops mistrust and insecurity, and undesirable behaviours are often repeated. Because the authority built on fear and violence generates fear and violence that the child transfers into relationships with others, often throughout their entire life. However, almost half (45 per cent) of children aged 1 to 14 still experience corporal and psychological punishment. Such disciplining methods are most often used with small children who start receiving corporal punishment already at the age of 2 to 3. Today, we know for sure that there are non-violent alternatives that are more effective and many parents in Serbia are already using them. We encourage all other parents to stop, think, and take a brave new step. Listening to and understanding the child’s needs and adopting non-violent parenting practices is the best way to be a positive example for your child for establishing boundaries that are based on understanding, patience, consistency and respect. Today, we know for sure that there are non-violent alternatives that are more effective and many parents in Serbia are already using them. We encourage all other parents to stop, think, and take a brave new step. Listening to and understanding the child’s needs and adopting non-violent parenting practices is the best way to be a positive example for your child for establishing boundaries that are based on understanding, patience, consistency and respect.

Link to the resource: https://www.unicef.org/serbia/en/be-hand-loves-and-word-guides-campaign