Authoritarian punishment may work in the short term but may very well backfire
. A child who is not allowed to make choices and learn from their own mistakes can be socially withdrawn and will rarely take the initiative. They may look to others for direction because they have been taught that their own decisions are inappropriate. A child who is harshly punished is fearful and that fear can and will inhibit spontaneity and curiosity. Sadly it may also be the root of many rebellious behaviors that often surface in adolescence. Parent with care!