how do parents use fears to control children?

Answer 1

I think parents control their kids in a lot of ways - Fears that they will get in a car crash, so they won't let them get a car sometimes. Fears that they will do something bad at a friends house, so they won't let them go out. Sometimes (my parents) fear that I want to leave them and go to college far away, so they try to make excuses to make me stay really close to home. A lot of times, the parents are helping their kids with their fears, but sometimes, they are simply holding their children back. A lot of parents won't give their kids the chance to prove themselves because they're so scared.

Answer 2

A little fear can be a good thing. For example, if you burn your hand on a hot stove you will be more careful for fear of burning yourself again. Parents use fear (I prefer to think of it as respect) to keep their children safe. All children should have a healthy fear (respect) of their parents. I'm old school. I can control children with just a look. It means there will be consequences if you don't stop that immediately!
I didn't use spanking or hitting as correction with my child. He's grown now and doing well. Still, my look can stop him in his tracks to this day. It is an Art and my saving grace in a classroom of 22, 7 and 8 year olds every day.

Answer 3

Fear and respect aren't the same thing. Anyone who thinks they are is a dipshit.

Parents don't just use fear to control their kids. They also use guilt. Is it any wonder that the world is so ****** up?