Parents won't tell children off in case it upsets them

Published on Tuesday 16 February 2010 21:59

ONE in four parents won't discipline their children for fear of upsetting them, researchers say.

A study claims mothers and fathers shy away from telling off offspring because they don't want to be seen as unfair or too strict.

A third admitted avoiding keeping their child in check in public, as they didn't want others to think they were too harsh. And more than half dished out less discipline than their parents did.

Despite this, more than one in three said they feared a lack of discipline could lead to their child getting into trouble in future. Three in ten parents admitted that they were a "pushover".

A spokesman for Cadet150, which carried out the study to mark the 150th anniversary of the cadet forces, said: "Discipline is all part of growing up, and it's important for children that they are taught the difference between right and wrong.

"It seems children these days get a far easier ride than parents did 20 or 30 years ago."

The spokesman added: "Our survey suggests mums and dads tend to avoid ticking off their children, because it's easier than having to deal with them kicking up more of a fuss.

"They don't want to be seen as too strict and not enough of a friend their kids feel comfortable talking to.''

The survey quizzed 2,000 parents on their attitudes towards discipline.