Many parenting experts have different opinions on the right and wrong way to raise children. Some experts are very pro-body autonomy and believe children should have full control over themselves. Others support attachment parenting, where kids never leave a parent’s side.
While parenting experts base many of their beliefs off science and studies, some parents disagree.
Sometimes, parents disagree with parenting experts and their beliefs, opting to disregard their “advice” and do what they believe is best for their own children.
Recently, a post on the late Magda Gerber’s Facebook page stirred up some controversy online.
Magda Gerber was an infant and childcare expert who passed away in 2007. However, her Facebook page is still up and running, publishing quotes and advice from the late expert.
One post shared on Facebook has some parents divided.
The post advocated that parents should NOT tickle their children.
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“I don’t believe in tickling children. Tickling is invasive, almost an assault. It changes the way a child feels by making her laugh,” the post said.
The post said a child’s laugher should come naturally.
“Laughter should come from the soul and be a sign of happiness, contentment, and joy. When a child is tickled, she laughs hysterically, and behind the laughter, there may be fear,” it continued.
The post continued, saying tickling was a “power” thing.
“I believe that this laughter is a nervous reaction on the child’s part, and makes the parent feel like he or she is in control. It gives one a feeling of power, almost hypnotic, when you can make another person laugh.”
Instead of tickling, the expert said to find other ways to make children laugh.
“There are gentler ways to be with children. Take a walk, look at picture books together, or simply observe her as she plays.”
Some parents in the comments reflected on their own childhood.
One parent said that she hated it when she was a child. So much so, that she never does it to kids or anyone else for that matter, due to her own trauma from it.
Another said she, too, has bad memories from her childhood involving tickling.
However, she said that her son enjoys a “light tickle session.” Yet, when he says “no” or “stop,” it’s totally done and over.
Some parents, however, disagreed completely.
One parent said that this is post was taking it “too far.” The mom compared it with “not doing art” with kids because it will make them feel “inferior about their artistic abilities.”
Where do you stand on this one?
