Nigerian Parenting: Balancing Discipline and Fear

The article addresses the issue of discipline in Nigerian parenting, emphasizing the distinction between discipline and fear. It references the World Health Organization's 2025 report, which states that corporal punishment, defined as using physical force to cause pain or discomfort, poses risks of harm without benefits.

UNICEF's definition of violent discipline includes psychological aggression, such as shouting and insulting, affecting approximately 1.6 billion children globally. In Nigeria, UNICEF's child-protection work stresses the importance of safeguarding children from violence and promoting positive, non-violent parenting practices.

The article argues that while children need boundaries and consequences, discipline should not instill fear. Instead, parents can adopt strategies like removing privileges or explaining unacceptable behaviors.

Positive discipline is recommended as a means to teach accountability without fear, suggesting that respect should be integral to discipline.