Oregon parents Katie and Dustin Maletich have generated widespread attention for their unconventional method of discipline, which involves using push-ups and squats as a form of punishment for their 9-year-old stepson, Tommy, after he disrespectfully told his mother to ‘chill.’ The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked a public debate about the role of physical exercise in parenting. After Tommy was instructed to perform the exercise, he participated in a father-son conversation about the tone of his speech to his mother and ultimately apologized. The Maletichs have emphasized that their approach to parenting is centered on teaching self-control and emotional regulation through fitness, rather than punishment. Dr. Dyan Hes, a pediatrician, argued that such a punishment is inappropriate, highlighting its potential harm to children. Conversely, Dr. Michele Borba, a parenting expert, praised the stepfather’s calm handling of the situation. The Maletichs believe that physical activity is a positive bonding experience for their children and that it provides them with an outlet to manage their emotions. They have also shared that their children enjoy working out and that it contributes to their overall happiness and well-being. The couple has acknowledged the mixed reactions to their parenting approach and has emphasized the importance of connection and conversation after any form of consequence. They also mentioned that they sought their son’s consent before sharing the video, which he hoped would go viral.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the effectiveness of alternative forms of discipline. While some parents have praised the Maletichs for their approach, emphasizing that it promotes self-control and emotional regulation, others have raised concerns about using physical exercise as a form of punishment. Dr. Hes, a pediatrician, has expressed concern that such a punishment is not only painful but also potentially harmful to children, as it can be seen as a form of corporal punishment. In contrast, Dr. Borba has supported the Maletichs, highlighting that their approach is thoughtful and consistent with positive parenting strategies. She emphasized the importance of explaining the consequence to the child, ensuring that they understand the connection between their actions and the punishment.
The Maletichs have further explained that their parenting philosophy is centered on raising adults rather than focusing solely on making their children happy and comfortable in the present moment. Katie Maletich noted that their approach is based on intention and intuition, emphasizing the importance of learning to respond as a parent rather than reacting impulsively. She also emphasized the value of connection and conversation in their parenting methods, ensuring that both the emotional and the practical aspects of the consequence are addressed with the child.
The couple has acknowledged the mixed reactions to their approach and has highlighted their commitment to using positive methods of discipline. They have also mentioned that they sought their son’s consent before sharing the video, which he hoped would go viral. This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of physical activity in parenting and the effectiveness of alternative forms of discipline. While the Maletichs have defended their approach, emphasizing its benefits for their children’s emotional regulation and self-control, others have raised concerns about the potential harm of using physical exercise as a form of punishment. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the balance between discipline and the well-being of children in the context of parenting.