Don't Scare Your Kids: Building a Strong Parent-Child Bond Through Positive Interactions

Wednesday, 12 February 2025 06:27

Discover why scaring children, even playfully, can have damaging effects on their emotional well-being and parent-child bond. Learn about alternative positive approaches to build a stronger relationship with your child.

Many parents resort to fear tactics to get their children to comply, sometimes going as far as playfully scaring them, even to the point of tears. While some may perceive this behavior as harmless, it's crucial to understand the detrimental impact it has on children's emotional well-being and the parent-child bond.

The Negative Impact of Scaring Children

Dr. Kurniawan Satria Denta, a pediatrician, sheds light on the harmful nature of such practices. He emphasizes that scaring children until they cry is counterproductive and undermines the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship. "A positive bond is built through loving interactions, empathy, and support, not through scare tactics," he states.

Child and family psychologist, Samanta Elsener, reinforces this sentiment. She underscores that scaring children doesn't cultivate genuine love and security, especially from the mother, who should be the child's safe haven. "Scaring a child won't make them feel genuinely loved, especially by their mother, who should be their safest haven," she explains.

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Instead of strengthening the bond, these actions can have adverse consequences. They erode a child's trust in their parents and make them feel insecure, leading to potential trauma and negatively impacting their emotional development. "Children raised through fear often grow up to be timid, struggling to make decisions as adults," Samanta points out.

Therefore, even if parents lack malicious intent, it's imperative to avoid scaring children to the point of tears. Instead, focus on engaging in positive activities that nurture a strong and healthy parent-child bond. These activities can range from playing and reading books to cycling together, hugging, and praising your child.

Engaging in these positive activities fulfills your child's emotional needs and fosters a more robust, secure, and loving relationship. By building a foundation of trust, empathy, and support, parents can create a nurturing environment that allows their children to thrive emotionally and grow into confident and well-adjusted individuals.