A new study published in Family Relations highlights the connection between how parents relate to their romantic partners and how they discipline their young children. The researchers found that parents who feel insecure in their romantic relationships—either because they fear abandonment or prefer emotional distance—are more likely to use harsh discipline. This link is shaped by how confident parents feel in their parenting abilities and how well they can understand their children’s thoughts and feelings.
The researchers were interested in understanding why some parents are more likely than others to respond to their young children’s misbehavior with yelling, threats, or even physical punishment. Prior research has shown that harsh discipline is not only common—especially in early childhood—but also…