Father slaps his daughter over Pringles

Well that was wrong. I saw in the news a few years ago where a mom hit her son over the head with her keyboard because he kept interrupting. Kids need to start wearing a helmet for their own protection.

 

Sorry, but I can't see how disciplining a 2 y/o hungry child for eating food within her reach is justified. Either remove the food out of reach or feed the child. Some excuses for 'child training' are not justified if one considers the needs of the child, the attention span and the ability of the child to understand.

For example:
Lets say the goal is for the parent to teach the child to obey commands or rules of authority: Can one say that this is true in EVERY INSTANCE where a person ....parent or other authority .....gives a command?

[Some 'here' might think 'yes'. But ....consider the rare but true instances where advantage has been taken because a child trusted or was taught to obey without questioning. Now, has 'your' answer changed regarding the question? If so..... what have you learned? TRUST and SAFETY (or the child's welfare) are more important than (blind) obedience to the authority.]

Now then, is there a prerequisite goal for a parent to keep in mind before determining the discipline of the child? Yes.....
IN EVERY CASE, consider the level of TRUST is maintained, and LOVE is preserved before and in every act of discipline.

[This does not negate the use of 'pain' such as corporal punishment.... when that is necessary and the child doesn't respond to lessor means of direction..... but care should be taken to communicate the purpose and to preserve the dignity of the child. A frontal assault to the body or the face, can be destructive to the feelings of worth in the child.... as can verbal abuse which uses names, or curses the child and communicates only anger or hatred, or devalues their worth. ......In that instance, one has actually distracted the child from receiving the correct and intended instruction and has instead left the child with a different recollection of memory regarding relationship of authority, questions of self-worth or respect, loss of control in role models, and unjust power.]

This parent at 22 y/o is old enough to be responsible for mature behavior even if he is incapable.... and, at least in this instance .......he is incapable and selfish. He is not teaching trust..... he's teaching fear. He is not exhibiting other controls available to him.... like putting the food away ....or sharing with the child.... so he's unrealistic in his expectations and demands. And his response to this instance of disobedience is excessive compared to the offense, and therefore unjust. He doesn't respond.....he reacts. He is not rational and in control...... he is emotional and self serving. (Not to mention his reactionary physical abusiveness.)
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Spiritual considerations and practical applications:
The Bible teaches responsible parenting:
Trust and correction: The parent is responsible for recognizing the levels of dependency and providing for the needs, safety and protection of the child appropriate to the level of ability and understanding in the child. The parent is not to provoke the child to anger. Maintains relationship and affirms with recognition, during good behavior: Is consistent and non-hesitant in correction. Recognizes his authority comes from God.... and his ultimate responsibility is to God in the charge of his child. [Communicates expectations and instructions, and makes consequences clear and determines understanding. Is realistic for stages of development. Establishes foundation in relationship before building from the simple to the complex.... as child matures. Does not create unjust or 'no-win' situations where the only choices available is failure. Offers forgiveness and restoration. Deals with the present opportunity.]

 

Before the child knows God.....
The first 'god' the child knows is in the authority and providence of his parents.
What an awesome task for Christian parents to recognize they are the first role model for a child's spiritual development.