Hitting kids to discipline them can make them more aggressive and disobedient. It can also have many negative effects on their development. Read on to find ways to stop yourself from hitting your kids.Child psychiatrists say that there is nothing more damaging to the self esteem and the psyche of children than parents hitting them. Corporal punishment has disastrous consequences on the emotional and physiological make up of a child and often creates a permanent barrier between the parent and child. If you are tempted to hit your child then you should try your best to stop yourself by following these tips. In this articleRecognise Your PatternLet Out SteamThink About the PositivesUse Calm and Controlled VoiceSensitise YourselfRecognise Your PatternEvery person has a distinctive anger pattern which can be identified after careful observation. You need to understand your anger pattern in order to prevent yourself from hitting. Carefully analyse incidents and cases which have resulted in your anger levels shooting up. For example, you may find that your kids disgracing themselves in public or refusing to obey you may act as an anger trigger. Once the trigger has been identified coach yourself to be extra careful to not hit out during those situations.Let Out SteamFor some parents anger management can become a severe issue if they are not allowed to let out steam. As a parent you must be under a fair degree of stress so letting out your negative emotions may actually prevent you from demonstrating them in a negative way like hitting.You can experiment and see which technique for you is best; some people like using a pressure ball while others prefer vocalizing their feelings behind closed doors with background noise. There are other techniques like writing a diary, playing an instrument or exercising which can help dissipate anger. It is worth it to experiment and see which technique works best for you.Think About the PositivesIn moments of anger it is very easy to regard everything about your kids in a negative light. It is in these crucial moments that you may feel yourself hopelessly frustrated and then strike out in anger.A good way to avoid these completely negative situation is to try and think about the positive behaviour patterns or qualities that your kids have demonstrated in the past. For example, in moments of extreme anger when your kid is exhibiting disobedience think about how your kid has done all his or her homework or helped you in chores.Thinking about positive incidents about your children will let your anger ebb away. This exercise is not something that will work in the first attempt so you need to keep practicing in order to achieve desired results.Use Calm and Controlled VoiceClinical psychiatrists say that shouting or screaming at kids aggravates the violent streak and may ultimately lead to corporal punishment, make it a point to use only a calm and low level tone of voice while disciplining children.Anyway, when you are shouting the message gets lost in the unnecessary noise that is created. Kids also decipher your anger and ignore your actual message. A calm and controlled tone of voice will not only convey your message but will also help you dissipate your anger.Sensitise YourselfThere is a lot of literature available in the online and offline world about the disadvantages and long term repercussions of hitting kids. Read up some of the material and make yourself aware of the consequences.When you know the results of your actions you will be in a better position to control yourself. If you still feel that you will not be able to manage your anger properly then do not hesitate in seeking professional help. Remember that there is nothing shameful in trying to get rid of a vice like corporal punishment.Practicing these tips with discipline and consistency will allow you to stop yourself from hitting and make you a better parent.What are the negative consequences of hitting kids? How to avoid hitting kids? What can parents do to avoid venting out their anger on kids? Discuss here.
Hitting kids to discipline them can make them more aggressive and disobedient. It can also have many negative effects on their development. Read on to find ways to stop yourself from hitting your kids.Child psychiatrists say that there is nothing more damaging to the self esteem and the psyche of children than parents hitting them. Corporal
punishment has disastrous consequences on the emotional and physiological make up of a child and often creates a permanent barrier between the parent and child. If you are tempted to hit your child then you should try your best to stop yourself by following these tips.
Recognise Your Pattern
Every person has a distinctive
anger pattern which can be identified after careful observation. You need to understand your anger pattern in order to prevent yourself from
hitting. Carefully analyse incidents and cases which have resulted in your anger levels shooting up. For example, you may find that your kids disgracing themselves in public or refusing to obey you may act as an anger trigger. Once the trigger has been identified coach yourself to be extra careful to not hit out during those situations.
Let Out Steam
For some parents anger management can become a severe issue if they are not allowed to let out steam. As a parent you must be under a fair degree of stress so letting out your negative emotions may actually prevent you from demonstrating them in a negative way like hitting.
You can experiment and see which technique for you is best; some people like using a pressure ball while others prefer vocalizing their feelings behind closed doors with background noise. There are other techniques like writing a diary, playing an instrument or exercising which can help dissipate anger. It is worth it to experiment and see which technique works best for you.
Think About the Positives
In moments of anger it is very easy to regard everything about your kids in a negative light. It is in these crucial moments that you may feel yourself hopelessly frustrated and then strike out in anger.
A good way to avoid these completely negative situation is to try and think about the positive behaviour patterns or qualities that your kids have demonstrated in the past. For example, in moments of extreme anger when your kid is exhibiting
disobedience think about how your kid has done all his or her homework or helped you in chores.
Thinking about positive incidents about your children will let your anger ebb away. This exercise is not something that will work in the first attempt so you need to keep practicing in order to achieve desired results.
Use Calm and Controlled Voice
Clinical psychiatrists say that shouting or
screaming at kids aggravates the violent streak and may ultimately lead to corporal punishment, make it a point to use only a calm and low level tone of voice while disciplining children.
Anyway, when you are shouting the message gets lost in the unnecessary noise that is created. Kids also decipher your anger and ignore your actual message. A calm and controlled tone of voice will not only convey your message but will also help you dissipate your anger.
Sensitise Yourself
There is a lot of literature available in the online and offline world about the disadvantages and long term repercussions of hitting kids. Read up some of the material and make yourself aware of the consequences.
When you know the results of your actions you will be in a better position to control yourself. If you still feel that you will not be able to manage your anger properly then do not hesitate in seeking professional help. Remember that there is nothing shameful in trying to get rid of a vice like corporal punishment.
Practicing these tips with discipline and consistency will allow you to stop yourself from hitting and make you a better parent.
What are the negative consequences of hitting kids? How to avoid hitting kids? What can parents do to avoid venting out their anger on kids? Discuss here. 
