Father Imposes Physical Punishment on Son by Making Him Perform Push-Ups After Son Found Rebuking Mother with 'Relax' Comment
=============================================================================
A viral video showing a stepfather making his stepson do push-ups as a form of discipline has sparked a lively debate about the use of exercise as a means of discipline in families. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has taken a firm stance against using exercise as a form of punishment, stating it can have a negative impact on exercise habits in the long run.
The video, which garnered over 2 million likes and more than 30,000 comments, showed the boy being asked to perform over 30 push-ups after being reprimanded for disrespecting his mother. Some commenters expressed concern that the stepfather might be teaching the boy to associate exercise with negative consequences, potentially discouraging him from physical activity in the future.
However, NASPE suggests that exercise should be used as a reward, teaching kids to want to be active instead of associating it with negative consequences. Exercise promotes qualities like perseverance, patience, emotional regulation, and improved mood, all of which support disciplined behavior.
Engaging children in physical activities such as sports, dance, or yoga helps reduce hyperactivity, improves focus, and fosters emotional regulation that prevents impulsive behavior. Regular exercise (30–60 minutes per day) supports increased energy, attention, patience, and endurance, which translate into better self-discipline and cooperation in other areas of a child's life.
Effective discipline strategies emphasize rewards, praise, and motivation over fear or force. Encouraging exercise as a positive habit, not a punitive measure, reinforces healthier behavior and family harmony. Clear expectations and consistency are essential in blended families, where dynamics might be complex. Establishing clear rules and consistent, fair routines—including for exercise or physical activity—helps children understand boundaries and responsibility.
Teaching children to recognize and express emotions along with physical activity enables better emotional and behavioral control. Incorporating exercise thoughtfully within a positive, emotionally supportive discipline framework can be a beneficial and healthy tool for fostering discipline in children, including those in blended families, as long as it is based on encouragement and consistency rather than coercion or punishment.
It's important to remember that every family is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. Dustin, the father of the son in the viral video, was praised for his calm and cool nature during the incident. The boy apologized to his mother after receiving a hug from his stepfather, Dustin, and the video ended with one last hug, indicating that the lesson was learned.
Clinical psychologist Laura Markham explained that yelling is not an effective way to change behavior and can damage the parent-child relationship. Instead, parents should focus on teaching children emotional intelligence and impulse control, which can be facilitated through regular exercise and open communication.
In conclusion, while exercise can be a powerful tool for discipline, it should be used carefully and thoughtfully. Framing physical activity as a reward, a constructive outlet for energy, and a way to develop self-regulation skills is more effective and healthy than using it as a form of punishment.
[1] American Psychological Association. (2019). The Benefits of Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/physical-activity-children [2] National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2019). NASPE Position Statement: Physical Education, Physical Activity, and School Health. Retrieved from https://www.naspe.org/Position-Statements/Physical-Education-Physical-Activity-and-School-Health [3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Blended Families: A Guide for Parents and Children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Family-Dynamics/Pages/Blended-Families-A-Guide-for-Parents-and-Children.aspx [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). The Importance of Physical Activity for Everyone. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm [5] American Heart Association. (2019). The Benefits of Physical Activity for Kids. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/children/the-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-kids
- Engaging in fitness activities can promote a healthier family dynamic by teaching children the importance of self-discipline, emotional regulation, and improved mood, thereby contributing to a more harmonious family life.
- Psychologists recommend using exercise not as a form of punishment, but as a reward or positive habit, as this fosters healthier behavior and encourages children to associate physical activity with positive consequences.
- Incorporating fitness, such as sports, dance, or yoga, into a child's routine promotes better emotional and behavioral control, and supports their overall health and wellness, while simultaneously strengthening the bond within the family.
