WDYT re post on a local mommy board

jennterrell

someone posted that she made her child hold a bar of soap in his mouth for cursing at school. Other moms said they have/would use liquid soap or red pepper or vinegar. I really want to post a reply, but I am worried I will come off as better-than-thou or something. I mean, my kid's not to that age yet, so maybe i'd change my mind but... here's what i want to say:

I personally wouldn't put liquid soap or pepper in a child's mouth. I don't even use antibacterial soap on my child's hands due to the toxic chemicals it contains, let alone directly in his mouth. And red or cayenne pepper can actually cause chemical-type burns.

I know everyone parents differently, but I think those type of punishments only teach a child cruelty.

MissyOlivePants

As a kid, I frequently had either Zest or Lava rubbed on my tongue.   But that's probably one of the better punishments I received as a kid...

I don't recommend it....

Mere7706

I know that putting red pepper (like Red Hot) on a kid's tongue is considered abuse- CPS will take a call and investigate. I've worked with a family who has a founded case for this.

I dont know about soap, but I think it's wrong for my family.  There are much more creative ways to consequence for bad language!

lar1203

i wouldn't do it to my child. i'd find another way to teach him a lesson.

SparkFish

Agreed, it just teaches violence and doesn't help the child learn why some words shouldn't be used. Although I'm pretty liberal with language - IMO there are no "good" and "bad" words, just words that are appropriate and inappropriate in certain situations. Words are valuable tools (even the bad ones) and children need to be taught that language has consequences, but those consequences don't include having to eat soap. 

pixy_stix

I read a fundie christian blog where the father put cayenne sauce in the kid's mouths when they were bad.  The kids would throw up. 

*speedracer*

i had soap in my mouth a few times as a kid, and unless its becoming a common event, i don't think it's cruel.  it's easy to say what you would do when you don't have a kid in that situation, and that's what makes it come off as holier-than-thou.  just my 2cents.

Hippinski

I don't know how I'd address it...but like you I would feel compelled to write something.  I like the toxic chemical take. 

everafter_33

*speedracer*:

i had soap in my mouth a few times as a kid, and unless its becoming a common event, i don't think it's cruel.  it's easy to say what you would do when you don't have a kid in that situation, and that's what makes it come off as holier-than-thou.  just my 2cents.

 

This.  And maybe the soap is a natural, less toxic soap.  I feel like there might be a lot here that is unknown... 

GladToBeMrs.SRS

everafter_33:

*speedracer*:

i had soap in my mouth a few times as a kid, and unless its becoming a common event, i don't think it's cruel.  it's easy to say what you would do when you don't have a kid in that situation, and that's what makes it come off as holier-than-thou.  just my 2cents.

 

This.  And maybe the soap is a natural, less toxic soap.  I feel like there might be a lot here that is unknown... 

Me too.  

wildride

I think it's fair to offer another perspective... maybe you can phrase it that way... "Just to offer another perspective, and I know everyone has different techniques that work for their family.. my concern would be the toxicity of ...blah blah..." 

 

jennterrell

yeah, the one with the kid holding a bar of soap in the mouth for 4 minutes doesn't disturb me as much as the one who said she'd put the red pepper or the one who has put liquid soap on the kid's tongue.

i'm torn about posting, because it is a 5-10 yr old forum, so not my place. I just saw it because i see all new posts regardless of forum, and it caught my eye. I'm going on to egg-on a friend who legitimately posts in there and totally would share my POV. If she won't though, i will post the deal about pepper being termed as abuse though. Maybe it will make someone think twice...