People who got their ‘mouth washed out’ by parents when they were younger reveal how they feel about it
People were allegedly left 'traumatised' after getting their 'mouth washed out' with soap as a child, as some share their experiences with the controversial punishment.
Times have really changed when it comes to how we 'punish' children these days.
When I was younger, it was the 'naughty' step - but for others, it was washing your mouth out with soap if you swore or backchatted.
And the unpleasant experience has clearly taken its toll on the children who were victims of it, as adults are sharing what they remember.
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A user on Reddit asked: "Did any of you ever get your mouth washed out with soap by your parents? Is this normal?"
And it wasn't long before responses flooded in.
"I haven’t spoken to my mother in eight years"
One traumatised victim said: "Yes! My mom only stopped because we started blowing bubbles.
"This was normal (or at least normal-ish) in the 90’s.
"I know some of my friends growing up got their mouths washed with soap as well for swearing or talking back.
"I haven’t spoken to my mother in eight years, in case anyone is wondering."
"I think we are all a bit traumatised"
Another reflected, adding: "My mom did this and she wasn't otherwise abusive at all, she was regarded at the time as a good parent.
"It was totally normal at the time."
However, they explained: "By today's standards and objectively I think it is definitely abuse, and I think we are all a bit traumatised.
"I think parenting trends have gotten generally less abusive as more people have a better understanding of child psychology treat children as the small learning humans they are."
Despite most regarding this punishment as a universally bad experience, there were actually a small percentage who found that they enjoyed eating the soap...
Whatever floats your boat I guess.
One said: "I actually liked to taste the soap and would ask if I could have some."
Interestingly, another added: "Me too!!! My mom had to stop giving it to me and switch to hot sauce because I was eating the soap on purpose."
Other parenting methods in the comments including push-ups and different forms of physical activity, but one person noted that this could make kids 'hate exercise'.
They said: "It makes sense, but then the kids might associate exercise with punishment, and in PE and as adults they might despise it."
Despite most people in the 80s and 90s all relating to at least some kind of physical punishment, some thought it was 'crazy' to be justifying these actions.
They said: "All these people trying to justify child abuse!"
Mia Williams