Can you spot a parenting myth? Your parents may have handed down parenting advice that seemed appropriate when you were young – but is now out of date. Some parenting myths can be harmful to children.
“Boys Will be Boys”
According to Dictionary.com, the phrase “boys will be boys” was first recorded in English in 1589. It was originally a Latin proverb that would have roughly translated as “Children (boys) are children (boys) and do childish things.” It is true that children – whatever their gender – do childish things. Parents should expect that type of behavior from their kids.
Unfortunately, the phrase “boys will be boys” has morphed into something harmful. It is often used as a reason to excuse a boy (or a man) from facing the consequences of their bad behavior – including violent behavior. Parents should give their sons (and daughters) consequences for bad behavior.
“Spare the rod, spoil the child”
This phrase did not originate in the Bible. The English version of the Bible pre-1377 does not include the line in the form we use now. The phrase was first written by Samuel Butler in a satirical poem about the factions involved in the English Civil war. The poem was first published in 1663.
The phrase as Samuel Butler wrote it was: Love is a Boy,/ by Poets styl’d,/ Then Spare the Rod,/ and spill the Child. At the time, “spill” was considered an alternative spelling of “spoil”.
A study called “Parents’ Use of Physical Punishment Increases Violent Behavior Among Youth” was done by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2006. The study found that adolescents who were more likely to engage in fighting, bullying, and victimization of others reported that their parents engaged in corporal punishment as a disciplining method.
Related Articles at Families.com:
The Hidden Dangers of “Shake it Off’ Parenting
Ways to Practice Gender Neutral Parenting
What Does Strict Parenting Look Like?