Stop Scaring Your Kids: Why Fear Tactics Damage Their Development

It's a common sight - parents using fear tactics to get their children to comply. Some even go as far as playfully scaring their children, making them cry, for example, by pretending to leave them alone. The parent laughs, finding it amusing, while the child panics and cries. While some may see this behavior as harmless, it's crucial to understand the negative impact it has on children.

The Harmful Impact of Scaring Children

Dr. Kurniawan Satria Denta, a pediatrician, explains that scaring children until they cry is not an effective way to strengthen the bond between parent and child. Instead, it can damage the trust and sense of security needed for a healthy relationship.

"A positive bond is built through loving interactions, empathy, and support, not through scare tactics," adds Dr. Denta.

Child and family psychologist, Samanta Elsener, agrees, emphasizing that scaring children does not strengthen their bond with parents. "Scaring a child won't make them feel genuinely loved, especially by their mother, who should be their safest haven," she says.

Rather than strengthening the bond, these actions can erode a child's trust in their parents and make them feel insecure. This can lead to trauma and have a negative impact on their emotional development. "Children raised through fear often grow up to be timid, struggling to make decisions as adults," explains Samanta.

What are the long-term consequences of scaring children as a parenting tactic?

Children raised through fear often grow up to be timid, struggling to make decisions as adults.

How do experts advise parents to build a strong bond with their children?

Experts suggest engaging in positive activities like playing, reading, cycling, hugging, and praising to strengthen the bond with their child.

Why do some parents use fear tactics to get their children to comply?

While the article doesn't explicitly state the reasons behind this behavior, it mentions that some parents may find it amusing to scare their children.

What impact does scaring a child have on their trust and sense of security?

Scaring a child can erode their trust in their parents and make them feel insecure, leading to trauma and negatively impacting their emotional development.

Nurturing a Stronger Bond Through Positive Interaction

Therefore, even if parents have no malicious intent, it's essential to avoid scaring children to the point of tears. Instead, focus on engaging in positive activities to strengthen the bond with your child, such as playing, reading books, cycling together, hugging, and praising them.

These positive activities help fill your child's emotional needs and foster a healthier, stronger relationship.