"Promise me you won't do that again!": Why parents shouldn't say this phrase to their children
Of course, no parent wants their children to get into mischief often.
Sometimes this situation occurs: an upset mother turns to her child with a request not to do this or that action anymore.
And often the parent asks the child to promise to behave well.
This sounds like a very dangerous phrase: “Give me your word that you won’t do that again!”
Why You Should Avoid Saying These Words
The point is that when using this phrase, parents make a promise instead of their child.
In response, a child who has experienced psychological pressure will most likely automatically nod or say: “Yes, I promise!”
The baby will do this only to get mom or dad to “leave” him alone.
Most likely, the child will decide that the "ritual" that was performed is a formality, and therefore will not consider himself obligated to keep his word. Perhaps, he will simply forget about what was said.
In general, it is quite difficult for small children to think about the future and the consequences.
It is possible that the child will then do something wrong and hear from his parents: “But you promised!”
But the resentment of mom and dad in this case is actually unfounded. And the child will feel guilty.
