Mummy Guilt

Question

My toddler is getting naughtier as he gets older. He is only 15 months old but the tantrums and mischief that he is up to,is driving me up the wall.I resort to hitting the bottom of his feet after repeated warnings on not to misbehave. My anger got the better of me and i hit him 6 times on his feet alternately because he kept kicking and screaming from not getting what he wants. My heart instantaneously ached. I feel guilty but at the same time I really dont want my son to grow up thinking he can kick up a fuss and he will get his way. I hate myself every time after hitting or scolding him. My heart breaks whenever I have to discipline him. Do any of you feel this way too?

Adlina Chew · Accepted Answer

Hi... yes, I do sometimes feel the same. My anger gets the better of me and I feel so guilty after whacking my child, I’ll silently cry in the toilet. Recently I started to look for articles on theAsianparent on child discipline and found this article. https://sg.theasianparent.com/1-2-3-magic-effective-discipline-for-children-2-12-by-thomas-w-phelan

Rachel Song · Answer

I used to hit my boy too when anger took over, but seeing him cry after hitting him made me really upset. Hence i tried not to hit him, though he is really mischievous, i just told him no cannot do this and carry him away

Mummy D · Answer

Same here! I did hit her on the thighs on a couple of occasions but cried afterwards because of guilt. I’m trying the firm NO and pause with serious eyes. It does work sometimes. If not, I give it 5 mins for my lo to cry it out and stop on her own. I try not to console her immediately coz kids are very smart. They will use it as a weapon 😂