Cold water bucket

Drawing by Spankart (2008).

Cold water bucket is a punishment method used by some parents, typically by mothers in cases where a young child (toddler, preschool) throws a violent tantrum at home and can not be quieted down by pacifying words or threats of punishment.

The message of this method is "If you're heated up in franticness and rage, cold water may cool you down."

Method

The parent fetches a bucket (such as those typically used in households) and fills it about halfway with cold water from the tap. If there happens to be a prefilled bucket around (e.g. for swabbing the floor), it could be used "as is", saving a couple of seconds if quick action is asked for. The out-of-control toddler is picked up and seated right into the bucket such they dunk into the water. The sudden chill and wetness in this "most central" body region, plus the fact that the child will find themself in a helpless, locked position with gravity pulling them down and their feet up in the air, can be an effective means to quiet down the tantrum within seconds.

To ensure the child won't catch a cold, they should be lifted out of the bucket within 5-15 seconds, possibly after showing signs of improved attitude such as promising to behave. The wet child is dried with a towel and dressed in dry clothes - the soaked ones need to be put to dry. Alternatively, if the situation permits it, the parent can bare the youngster's bottom prior to lifting and dunking them bare bottom into the bucket. Garments that are clear out of the way towards the child's ankles and chest may stay dry this way.

Advantages

• Can stop tantrums where other methods typically fail
• Is quick if a bucket is within short reach
• No pain involved, only chill and wetness for some seconds
• Leaves less hard feelings than e.g. a spanking and makes for good anecdotes

Disadvantages

• Is corporal by nature and as such can be called cruel by some modern parenting standards
• The child may start to wail even more
• Water may splash on the floor, the bucket may topple over
• The parent and the surroundings may get a little wet as well
• Clothes need to be changed and dried

Jump to: Main Page • Micropedia • Macropedia • Icons • Time Line • History • Life Lessons • Links • Help
Chat rooms • What links here • Copyright info • Contact information • Category:Root