In Romania, recent data by ParentED reveals concerning trends regarding parental discipline and child wellbeing. Approximately 20% of parents believe in the effectiveness of physical punishment as a disciplinary method. Alarmingly, 18% of children report having been hit at home with a stick or switch, 13% with a belt, and 8% with a wooden spoon. Furthermore, over 30% of children under the age of 6 have suffered from emotional or physical abuse, and in the first quarter of 2025, more than 250 infants were victims of domestic violence or neglect by their parents.
The repercussions of repeated threats, abandonment, or expulsion can lead to anxiety and depression. Physical violence can have long-lasting impacts on a child’s social, hormonal, and emotional development. Despite corporal punishment being legally banned since 2004, experts from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child have raised concerns about its ongoing prevalence. They recommend enhanced parent education programs to shift mindsets and traditions that endorse physical discipline.
Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a clinician and child development expert, emphasizes the importance of managing emotions to prevent frustration from escalating into aggression. He notes that many parents experience overwhelming frustration, which can lead to aggression. Recognizing and transforming anger into sadness regarding things beyond control can significantly reduce aggressive impulses. This emotional awareness facilitates gentler and more empathetic responses, thereby protecting children and strengthening parent-child relationships.
Dr. Neufeld is set to share his insights at the ParentED Fest 2025 in Bucharest on October 4th. This festival is Romania’s largest parenting event, taking place on October 4-5, 2025, and will feature global experts in child development, including Maggie Dent, Dr. Laura Markham, Dr. Shefali, Tamara Neufeld Strijack, and Dr. Daniel Siegel. The event is supported by various strategic partners, highlighting its significance in advocating for positive parenting practices.
Tickets are available for purchase on the official website of the ParentED Fest and via IaBilet.ro.
