Is this an appropriate punishment?

[margaritadrakeina]

If your child is messing around with their food/making a mess at the table is the following ok or not? To make them take their plate and put it next to the animals' bowls on the floor of the kitchen because 'if they're going to eat like an animal they may as well be treated like one'. Then make them eat the rest of their meal from the plate on floor next to the cats and dogs bowls (without cutlery, crouched over the plate like a cat) until the plate is cleared.

[InsanelyBrainDeprived]

Really?

[Smartieaddict]

Seriously? No definitely in no way is that OK!

[Dontbugmemalone]

WTF? I doubt this is a genuine question but OF COURSE NOT.

[Pancakeflipper]

No.

Though I threatened them that I would drag the pig trough indoors once after one meal time where more ended up on the floor than in their tummies ( they are 8 and 4 yrs old).

[Wishiwasanheiress]

Why are you asking? Back story please

[ItsallisnowaFeegle]

Go and wobble your fucking head OP.

[WeAreSix]

No. Totally unacceptable.

[Cluffyflump]

Is the child ok?
This is in no way ok. I would do serious harm to someone if they treated any of my dc like that!

[ItsallisnowaFeegle]

Umm actually - yeah, I responded too harshly/ quickly.

If this is what you're using as punishment for your DC ^See my first response AND contact SS.

If you are asking as someone concerned for some other person's DC contact SS ASAP.

[SlimePrincess]

Absolutely not appropriate.

[redrubyshoes]

Take the plate away with no comment or fuss and offer no alternative. Repeat.

Praise when they eat properly.

Don't make them eat like a dog. Please.

[SgtTJCalhoun]

No .

[noisytoys]

Please tell me this hasn't happened / going to happen. It's terrible. It's degrading the poor child will be humiliated and will never forget it. Why would anyone even think of doing that?

[margaritadrakeina]

Yes, seriously, it is a genuine question. No, I am not planning on enforcing this on my children. Back story is merely that I have recently started a course of counselling and I was asked to try and remember about my childhood. I didn't know if it was worth mentioning or if it just counts as normal discipline. Just wanted some opinions, that's all.

[FarelyKnuts]

My not so darling mother used to cut out the middle man and just give the dinner to the dog if we didn't get to the table the first time she called us or act in an "appropriate" manner and that was abusive enough!
So to answer your question its not appropriate, it's abusive.

[Dontbugmemalone]

Oh no, I'm sorry you had to go through that. I hope counselling helps you.

Have some unmumsnet hugs ((( )))

[crunchbag]

No it definitely does not count as normal discipline

[SgtTJCalhoun]

OP I was given a plate of spaghetti and toast to take into my Dad for his lunch. I was five and it slid of the plate. My Mum made me eat it off the floor just as you describe.

I had forgotten and now I am sitting her shaking with rage thinking about it. I am sorry this happened to us. Yes it needs to be mentioned at your counselling.

[Snog]

It is surely quite disturbing that you feel you need to ask this question

[margaritadrakeina]

Why disturbing?

SgtTJCalhoun hope you're ok, sorry I reminded and upset you.

[SgtTJCalhoun]

No it's fine. I told you because I wanted you to know you're not alone.

[ballstoit]

Not okay, and I'm sorry that you experienced it x

[cantreachmytoes]

Just wanted to add: really not ok.

Very sorry this happened to you (both).

[exoticfruits]

It isn't normal discipline- I would definitely mention it.