Here are some strict and unusual punishments parents used back in the day to teach discipline and accountability.
Bedtime
Parents used early bedtimes to punish children. To send them off early, well before they were exhausted, was like not staying to enjoy the whole party. It told children that bad behavior could cost them privileges such as late nights.
Writing
If I were to be handed a notebook & asked to write, “I will not lie” 100 times, that would be quite a lot.
It was the way that parents drilled the lesson into their children’s brains to teach them that behavior counts. It was tedious & by the time they finished, little kids did not want to do it again.
Standing
For this punishment, children had to stand on one leg. It was harmless but challenging enough for them to understand their fault. This punishment was also laughable & that always made the lesson stick.
Holding Books
As a physical punishment some parents required children to hold big books with their arms outstretched. It wasn’t horrible, but it was certainly uncomfortable.
The punishment taught children that wrongdoing was punishable and their limbs would have to pay the price for days.
Washing
This punishment was typically for lying & swearing. Parents thought a literal “rinsing” of the mouth would cause children to associate foul language with unpleasant consequences.
Though it sounds cruel now, those who experienced this report that they soon learned to watch what they said.
Sign
Imagine being forced to wear a sign that reads, “I behave badly” or “I didn’t clean my room today.” It taught kids that their actions mattered & often made them want to do better.
Losing Entertainment
Without going out, TV, radio, toys or landlines, there was no life. It was parents’ way of educating children that privilege had to be earned.
When there were no distractions, children had more time to ponder what they had done & return with a more positive mindset.
Extra Chores
Putting more chores on a child’s list was a regular discipline method. Children did things like scrubbing the floor or cleaning the car to learn responsibility.
It also taught them that there were consequences to their actions.
Letters
Sometimes when the children acted badly, their parents required them to write formal apology letters. And this was not about “sorry.”
It was about children figuring things out, how they inflicted harm & really meaning it. It was a great lesson about responsibility.
Sitting in a Tree
To be sent to sit under a tree might sound pleasant, but believe me, it wasn’t.
When children had no distraction, they had nothing to do but reflect on what they were doing wrong. They’d spend this quiet, lonely time reflecting on their behavior.
Standing in the Corner
Standing in the corner was a simple but effective punishment. Being in front of the wall without distraction left time for kids to reflect on what they’d done wrong.
Making Public Apologies
Children had to apologize in public if they had misbehaved. The humiliation of apologizing to everyone made children reconsider their behavior next time.
Silent Dinner Rule
For bad table manners, parents used the “silent dinner” rule & kids had to eat quietly without joining the conversation. It wasn’t harsh & made the kids reflect on their behavior during family time.
Featured Image Credit: Ash & Pri.
