The Impact of Silent Treatment on Children: Why Communication Matters"

Silence Cannot Lead to a Solution Many parents resort to silence to avoid scolding or physically punishing their children. They believe that their silence will make the child realize their mistake. However, in reality, this approach can have a deep psychological impact on children. Instead of staying silent, establishing effective communication is a more impactful method. What is Silent Treatment? Parents often believe that ignoring or not talking to a child after a mistake is a non-violent form of punishment. In psychology, this is referred to as "Silent Treatment." Many elders in families also adopt this approach, thinking that it will help the child understand their mistake better. Why Do People Use Silent Treatment? Since physical or verbal violence is considered wrong, some parents believe that saying nothing is the best response. However, the truth is that silence does not resolve any issue. Parents remain internally frustrated, while the child experiences mental stress. Negative Effects of Silent Treatment It can make children emotionally weak. Studies suggest that frequent use of this method can lead to feelings of loneliness in children. It may reduce their self-esteem and confidence. It can create negative emotions such as insecurity and anxiety. In the long run, this behavior can harm a child's mental health. How to Handle the Problem Properly? ✓ Resolve issues through conversation. Communication helps in understanding the child's perspective while also conveying your own point clearly. ✓ If the child is not listening, try to understand the reason behind their behavior. They might be facing some difficulty or hiding something. ✓ Explain the consequences of mistakes so that they avoid repeating them. ✓ Teach children to accept their mistakes, and as parents, make it a habit to apologize when you're wrong. ✓ Limit TV and mobile content that might encourage stubbornness or aggression in children. Instead, guide them toward positive content. ✓ If a child admits their mistake, encourage them rather than scolding them, so they feel comfortable opening up in the future. ✓ Do not blindly accept everything the child says; instead, help them understand the difference between right and wrong while setting clear boundaries. ✓ If a child is developing a stubborn nature, engage them in creative activities such as painting, music, or exercise. Self-Development Hesitation or Lack of Confidence? Many people hesitate before speaking and feel self-conscious. However, if you don’t express yourself, why would others pay attention to what you have to say? To overcome this hesitation, some changes are necessary. Start Small Getting into the habit of expressing yourself doesn't mean jumping onto a big stage immediately. Start by sharing your thoughts with family and friends, then gradually step out of your comfort zone. Recognize Your Strengths Hesitation often arises when we focus too much on our shortcomings. Identify your abilities and positive traits—this will boost confidence and reduce negativity. Avoid Overthinking People who hesitate often assume that others are constantly judging them. However, the truth is that people generally don’t remember small details about others. For example, you probably don’t recall what your colleague wore last month. Don't Be Afraid to Express Yourself Hesitation and self-doubt can create emotional distance from people. Avoiding interactions might feel safe initially, but over time, it can lead to depression and social isolation. Therefore, keep engaging with people and participate in conversations. Conclusion Instead of using silence as a response to children’s mistakes, communication is the best approach. Effective conversation not only helps correct their mistakes but also boosts their confidence. Similarly, to overcome hesitation, it is essential to recognize your strengths and express yourself confidently.