Taking Away A Child's Dinner - Appropriate Punishment?
By Angel
@Angelee_27 (3460)
United States
December 27, 2015 8:24pm CST
Do you think that taking away dinner is an appropriate punishment for a child?
I can understand taking away desserts, toys, electronics, etc... but personally I think it is a bit harsh to make your child skip dinner as a punishment.
Children grow fast and need a lot of nutrition. Every meal counts! I couldn't imagine not allowing my child to eat a good meal as punishment, no matter the severity of what they had done. There are plenty of other discipline options.
I have heard that this was a fairly common punishment back in the day.
9 people like this
12 responses
@rusty2rusty (6751)
• Defiance, Ohio
28 Dec 15
Yes, it use to be the norm as a punishment. It is no longer looked that way. I agree a child should never have to skip a meal. It affects their thinking, their growing and everything in between. It is a fine line of child abuse in my eyes.
1 person likes this
@Angelee_27 (3460)
• United States
28 Dec 15
I feel the same way! It is almost child abuse to do such a thing.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
28 Dec 15
Taking away a meal is a form of abuse. There are other means that are effective punishment.
@CelticSoulSister (1640)
• Southend-On-Sea, England
28 Dec 15
I definitely thing that is a bad way to try and discipline children as aside from them needing their regular nutrients, such can give them negative issues surrounding food in later life. When trying to teach children how to behave, I'd much rather use other methods such as the 'naughty step' or taking a way a favourite toy.
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
28 Dec 15
I know a lot of people used to use food as punishment or reward. I do not believe this is an effective tool. I feel that if you use food as either reward or punishment it causes children to overeat and thus, they become overweight. It could definitely be looked at as child abuse if the child is not eating meals. If the child is punished without dessert that could be a form of punishment and not child abuse. I personally would not use food as punishment or reward though.
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
28 Dec 15
I don't ever take food away from my children. If they refuse to eat their meal then I don't allow them to have a snack after. There are plenty of other ways to punish a child for doing something wrong.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
28 Dec 15
it may have been in the past but now it is considered child abuse. No I do not agree with it at all.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
28 Dec 15
I would never do that myself but I know lots do. I do not and would never criticize those who do but I agree there are many other options. I do however also believe people these days are much too soft and need to practice stern parenting where necessary. Just my opinion.
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
28 Dec 15
No I don't think it is a good idea, like you ask it's harsh in doing so.
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
28 Dec 15
Yes, that is harsh and an unfair punishment. I believe the child should eat their meal, but skip dessert or the special treat. Ex, toys/electronics as you mentioned should also not be allowed too.
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
28 Dec 15
My sons are grown. I always still worry they are not eating enough. Taking away a meal from a child is horrendous. Never would I do that. Take away video games.
