Is it normal for a parent to think instilling fear in a child is normal and acceptable?

Answer 1

It's a sad and rather antiquated way of child rearing. No, it's not normal. It's just that many people lack the desire or the ambition to learn how to be better parents.

Personally, I want my kids to do the right thing because it's right. Sounds a whole lot better to me than knowing my children behaive only because they fear punishment. What a crappy way to live that would be. Children should be happy. Fearful children are not happy. They are sneaky and turn into terrible people...often times just like their parents before them.

Answer 2

Well .... that depends on the type of fear and how it is being instilled. Some fear is good and actually helps in the survival of the species. Kids need to fear going places with strangers , running out into the street , jumping and dancing around in the tub , running around the pool , running with scissors.........
To some degree they need to have a respect harbouring on fear for their parents. If they have no fear of consequences then most kids are not going to do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do , that comes as we mature.
However, if the parent is instilling the fear in some abusive way then no it is not okay.
If your child has absolutley no fear of you then you are done for. Flashing "the look" at them in church or in a restaurant will not curb their behavior and you will lose control of them.

Answer 3

I think it depends on the kind of fear - since there are all kinds. A fear that causes the child to be cautious - such as not running into the street for fear they will be hit by a car - can be positive & promote growth and maturity. Instilling the type of fear that causes a child to not feel safe and secure in their home & with their family - that's not good.

Answer 4

I think that it depends on the type of fear and the age of the child. Should a child fear consequences for the actions? Sure, if the consequences they fear are non-violent. (Bring home a bad grade, they lose the cell phone/computer/video game...et)

Should a small child fear reaching up onto the top of a hot stove? Or getting into a car with strangers? Of course. Should they fear that getting a little rambunctious is going to get them beaten until they can't sit down? Of course not, that's abuse.

Fear is a natural learning response for humans and animals alike. If we didn't fear things, we would be proving Darwin right on a much grander scale. Fear keeps us from doing stupid things (well, not all of us)

Answer 5

no, instilling fear in your children is not normal or acceptable... but i do think it is a really common feeling among many parents, so i guess statistically speaking i it is "normal"..

a lot of parents confuse fear and respect, and think that it is normal, healthy, and productive to have their children fear them a little bit--in fact, i've heard many people say that exact thing

Answer 6

My father used to say he would instill the "fear of God in me"...I think it was an old school way to say "You will respect me." I don't think Children should fear parents, but have a healthy respect that their parents mean business about displaying unacceptable behavior, and the consequences thereof...
As far as strangers, or dangerous situations, we shouldn't encourage our children to be fearful, but safe and to follow safe practices which can be practiced and discussed.

Answer 7

before everything Twilight isnt a depressing and frightening action picture crammed with satanists, It promotes love and currage. The vampire isn't appearing a satanic ritual on a bare lady... Mabe as you notice it , that's airborne dirt and mud. yet with an open concepts human beings can see issues greater needless to say like this... via fact the christian archives state which you need to be controlled and not allowed to demonstrate screen issues that are blasphemous approximately God or the Son Of God, I dont think of that this circulate has something like this... This circulate is basically a money rip-off via fact vampires at the instant are the trend of the international. So its extremely as much as the guy and not their faith. And 2nd of all, theres no hiding the reality, young toddlers strengthen up, they determine issues out, you cant end issues that ensue certainly.

Answer 8

well depends if you use fear defined as, Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power. This is more like building ones respect for you. Be careful you do not Use fear defined as a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger. Remember its your kid not a slave.

Answer 9

depends...it's ok to instill fear of strangers, matches, drugs, etc.

Not ok to instill fear when it comes to trying out new things like skating or surfing.

Answer 10

what kind of fear?? its not normal if its the i'm-gonna-hurt-you-if-you-do -anything-wrong fear, but the fear of being run into by a car or something if you don't look before you cross the street is normal.