“A Mother Said I Could Flog Her Child…”

A close-up image of a teacher's hand resting gently on a child's shoulder

 A teacher once asked:

“A mother usually gives me permission to flog her child if he’s been difficult. Is it right to do so, even when I’m permitted?”

It’s a question that lingers — because it touches the heart of what we believe about discipline, learning, and the child before us.



Let’s pause and think about it.


When a child is being “difficult,” it’s rarely just about disobedience. Most times, it’s a message — though not always a convenient one. It could be frustration, confusion, tiredness, hunger, or even a cry for attention. Sometimes, the child simply doesn’t know how to express what they feel.


So when we respond with flogging — even when a parent says, “Go ahead” — what we teach is fear, not understanding. 


The behavior might stop in the moment, but the lesson that lingers isn’t “I’ve learned to do better.” It’s “I must avoid getting caught next time.”


Fear changes behavior temporarily. Understanding changes it permanently.


Real discipline doesn’t come from pain; it comes from connection. It’s about staying curious rather than furious.
Ask yourself:

🔶 What might this child be trying to tell me through this behavior?

🔶 What could they be struggling with right now?

🔶 How can I correct them in a way that builds trust, not fear?


Being firm doesn’t have to mean being harsh. Sometimes, firmness looks like consistency — calm boundaries, clear expectations, and patient follow-through. It’s how we model emotional control and empathy at the same time.


Even when a parent gives permission to flog, it doesn’t make it the best or most effective option. 

As teachers, we’re not just instructors of knowledge — we’re shapers of human hearts. Our goal is not to break children into obedience but to lead them into understanding.

Because true discipline is not written on the skin.
It’s written on the heart.



☘️


💭 Your Turn:
Have you ever been in a situation where a parent gave you permission to flog their child?
How did you handle it — and what did you learn from it?



Share your thoughts in the comments 😊. Let’s grow together as educators who shape with wisdom, not fear.





---------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Relis Educators Hub Ltd.,

where we help you help every child thrive.☘️


Like & follow us on our:

Facebook Page


Join our community for ongoing support:

WhatsApp






Comments

  1. Cynthia OghenegarenOctober 10, 2025 at 8:06 PM

    This is so deep, I wish every teacher will read this.
    For me I've picked a kesson. Real discipline comes from connection

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickyOctober 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM

      Thank you, Mrs. Cynthia.

      You can share this blog so it gets to more teachers 🥂

      Delete
  2. Grace DicksonOctober 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM

    You're very right. Fear changes behavior temporary. Understanding changes it permanently. The challenge is usually how to get to that point of understanding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickyOctober 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM

      Yes!

      Getting to that point requires the intentionality to do so, acknowledging the hurdles ahead, and bracing for impact where necessary.

      Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the goal! 🥂

      Delete
  3. MuhammedOctober 11, 2025 at 10:13 AM

    In my own case, I am the parent. My 3year old daughter is not respecting me🙄🙄. How can she be wearing my socks and drop it anywhere she likes after use. I'll now be looking for it in the morning anyhow. And when I'm complaining she'll be greeting me with smiles and do it all over again 😬😬

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickyOctober 17, 2025 at 5:22 PM

      😊😊😊 I see you both already creating memories together.

      Enjoy it 🥂.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Embracing Authenticity: Breaking Free from Social Media Pressure

Image
As creatives and professionals, we often feel the urge to share our thoughts and expertise with the world.  However, the pressure to constantly produce content can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The Pitfalls of Comparison When we compare ourselves to others, we forget that everyone has their unique journey. We focus on what others think of us, while they're likely preoccupied with their own challenges. This cycle of comparison can lead to: 1. Forced content creation : Sharing subpar work just to meet expectations. 2. Self-doubt : Questioning our worth and abilities. 3. Burnout : Exhaustion from trying to maintain a perfect online image. The Power of Self-Care Now you've discovered a valuable lesson: giving yourself a break and focusing on quality over quantity. By doing so, you're: 1. Prioritizing authenticity : Sharing meaningful content that truly represents you. 2. Cultivating self-love : Embracing your worth beyond social media valida...
Read more

They Understand You. Now Help Them Speak.

Image
I once sat with a teacher who looked puzzled. She whispered, almost in frustration: “He can hear me. He responds when I call his name. He even follows instructions. But he won’t say a single word. What do I do?” I smiled because I knew this teacher’s frustration was wrapped in hope. She had already noticed something crucial: the child understood. That’s where the story begins. Understanding before speaking For many children, language doesn’t bloom all at once. They build receptive language (understanding) long before expressive language (speaking). Think of it as filling a cup — comprehension fills it drop by drop until it overflows into speech. When a child “gets it” but can’t yet “say it,” our role is to gently bridge the gap. 🔶 Model the words Imagine a boy pointing at his water bottle. Instead of silently handing it over, you say: “Water. You want water? Here’s your water.” Research shows repeated modelling builds pathways in the brain — each word you speak becomes a tin...
Read more

The Leap from Classroom to Entrepreneurship: When Should Educators Take the Plunge?

Image
Educational Leadership Many educators have made the successful transition from traditional classroom teaching to entrepreneurship, leveraging their skills and experience to build thriving businesses. However, the question remains: when is the right time for a classroom teacher to leave the security of a 9-to-5 job and embark on an entrepreneurial journey? As educators consider this path, they must weigh the benefits of stability against the potential for innovation and growth. To make this transition successfully, teachers need to acquire new skills, such as business management, marketing, and leadership. They must also secure resources, including funding, talent, and infrastructure, to support their ventures. Some potential entrepreneurial paths for educators include: Private consulting: Offering expertise to individuals or organizations on a freelance basis. Online courses or tutoring: Creating and selling online educational content or providing one-on-one tutoring services. School...
Read more