Do you think it's bad parenting to blast those little canned airhorns at your child to discipline them?

Question

Spanking doesn't work for my nephew so when he was over and started acting up (he is 4), I snuck up at him and just blasted one of those airhorns at him. It scared the living daylights out of him, and I told him if he ever threw a tantrum at my house again, that's what he would get. Well, he behaved EXCELLENT the rest of the day after that. But now his mom told me she didn't appreciate me doing that. I told her I didn't appreciate HIM having a tantrum, and that's how I handled it. It worked GREAT. Do you think I was overboard?

Answer 1

If this was my child, I'd be quite upset at the step you took to control him.  This constitutes abuse!  Any form of aggression that is used to gain control over another person, is ABUSE!  Using a fog horn on a 4 year little boy for being throwing an outburst is obsurd.  You could have caused permanent damage to this young boy... not just to his ears but you've probably caused him trauma.  You've scared him into respecting you, this will ultimately cause resentment.  You cannot gain respect from fear.. YOU, oughta be ashamed of yourself!  IF you're ever trusted to watch this youngster again... teach him to respect you and your home by showing him your respect for him.

Answer 2

haha no whatever works

Answer 3

That is okay by me.  

http://www.4troubledteens.com/toughlove....

Answer 4

I think that sound is WAY to loud, especially in the house, and may seriously damage his hearing!

Answer 5

uh.......if i knew who you were i'd report you to the police and make sure that you never have another child in your care.....ever! did you know you can permanently damage that child's ears with one of those things?!?!

you're a horrible person.

Answer 6

erm  yes i think so. If you were too close to him you could have seriously damaged his ear drums. I know it can be fustrating when children have tantrums but he is only 4!!!

Answer 7

Yeah, that was as bad as his tantrum. If not worse, really could have damaged his hearing.

Answer 8

It's better than pepper spray.You did fine.

Answer 9

You definitely went overboard. He is 4, 4 year old throw tantrums. It's just something they will eventually grow out of. Scaring the h**l out of him and possibly damaging his hearing was not a smart move. If the mother decides to, she can press charges for child endangerment or something along those lines.