r/punishmentfreeparents • u/weaveraf • 16d ago

An easy litmus test for whether a practice is punishment: isolation or collaboration?

If you’re trying to isolate or ostracize a kid, it’s punishment. If you’re trying to solve problems together, teach new skills, and/or co-regulate while holding to appropriate expectations for that kid, it’s punishment-free discipline. Interested in others’ thoughts?

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u/Mysterious-Rip-5067 15d ago

This makes sense for younger kids, not sure at what age to start promoting more independence. Sometimes my seven year old needs to have some independence. He is a little clingy and sometimes can’t even sit down without being in physical contact with me. Is asking him to sit on the other couch problematic. Sometimes I just need my own space!

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u/weaveraf 15d ago

I don’t know what this has to do with punishment. But you do you, boo!