Mum-of-Two Sparks Controversy With Her Remarks About Child Discipline

A mother sparked quite the controversy on Twitter when she appeared on This Morning on Friday to discuss parents punishing their children. The segment entitled ‘Extreme Discipline: Should You Punish Your Children?’ was inspired by the parents who made their son stay in a tent in their backyard after it was discovered that he had been stealing from the family. Mum-of-two Bea Marshall is of the opinion that punishment is an excuse for child abuse and argued that parents should not be using fear to punish their children. She said:

“I think it’s the start of a very slippery slope and any form of punishment puts the parent in a position of power over their child. The child then becomes powerless to whatever degree and you’re using fear and control to manage your child’s behaviour.”

She compared the dynamic to that of an abusive relationship before arguing that parents need to understand the reason behind the behaviour. Bea explained:

“I’m not condoning stealing. I just think there are much better ways to deal with this situation, or any situation with unwanted behaviour with our children… I’m not sure how much this is going to help him with his behaviour… Behind his behaviour is a positive intention… “Whenever my child exhibits an unwanted behaviour, whether it’s knowingly or unknowingly because that’s two different things as well, I’ll say ‘When you did whatever that was, I felt sad/I felt cross/I felt frustrated because I want you to respect our home… would you be willing to explain to me why you decided to do that?’”

In contrast, mum-of-one Kelly Rose Bradford revealed that she believes kids need discipline and, while they shouldn’t be frightened of their parents, they should be frightened of what could happen if they misbehave. And it seems the viewers sided with her. Many took to Twitter to say that they didn't agree with Bea. Here are just a few of the comments:

I don't have a child but I think discipline is good for them, if they don't.. I think they can get away with anything ? #ChildDiscipline

— hannah[PB] (@hannahwby1) July 1, 2016

this child is chatting fraff. How can stealing be associated with a positive intention! Rubbish! #ChildDiscipline — Madeline Asala (@misssouljourner) July 1, 2016

#ChildDiscipline @itvthismorning omg get off my tele with your bare feet & righteous attitude! Kids need discipline, you twit.

— Lesley Anderson (@MissesAnderson) July 1, 2016

Ppl like this woman are the reason children today have no respect and get away with everythin #ChildDiscipline @itvthismorning — natalie carter (@natcarter25) July 1, 2016

Well.. my 9 yo just told me kids should be punished so they learn right from wrong @itvthismorning #childdiscipline #frommouthofbabes

— shelly white (@5hellsbells) July 1, 2016

If you don't punish your child and then they carry on doing bad things in later life, it's your fault!#ChildDiscipline — aaron // 5 (@acar321) July 1, 2016

Do you think punishment is a good way of teaching kids what is right and wrong? Let us know in the Facebook comments or get in touch on Twitter (@HerFamilydotie).