How is fining the woman, will will affect the poor child, appropriate?? She should have supervision and the child made safe! Poor girl, very sad. I hope the mum learns from this. Lucky someone was there to film it.

Shows the difference in cultures really – although I think this is extreme punishment – what five year old has not refused to eat at some point (and generally in public)

Certainly an extreme way to deal with the child’s behaviour… there is no excuse for abuse… I can understand getting frustrated, losing your cool or saying something out of turn because it is frustrating being a parent at times but we do have to work on ways to deal with our frustrations & certainly never abuse our children.

Some countries’ customs are very cruel and they need to be taught other methods of discipline without assault. I would never have thought of a custom being to hit a person in the stomach – certainly not a child. Permanent internal damage is a huge risk and easily life threatening.

Wow, i hope she learns a thing or two from the classes she has to go to!

I don’t believe that any child, no matter their culture or upbringing, should be hurt in any way, shape or form.

This article does not really give the full situation. Maybe seeing the video would shed more light on how severe the incident was. But considering the punishment I assume it was more than acceptable. I do not agree with hitting children in anyway – but I don’t like judging other people either. If it is a cultural thing, then they do need the chance to learn what is acceptable in Australian culture and be allowed to amend and adapt & change.

Hitting kids is so bad! I’m glad to see that someone has been convicted for that. There is no excuse for hitting a child. I hope the classes the woman has to attend, will help her in becoming a better mum.

FIRST UP- that judge gave the woman a decent sentence. she will think about her actions and knows that it isn’t acceptable here. I am glad that she has another chance to do things right though

I agree with the Magistrate “You can say it’s cultural discipline. I don’t agree,” . Assault is assault. I hope all parents who discipline in this way get a reality check.

Lke iz

The law is in place to enforce the protection of people from ‘culture’ and ‘customs’. There is no excuse for abuse!

I agree that parenting is tough but there needs to be a line when it comes to discipline.

I know discipline techniques and customs are part of culture, but there is a line . It sounds like the mother herself was overstressed and that was how she was taught and surely you should know if you go over the line in DV . The problem with common sense seems to be overlooked and children are the ones that suffer. Thank goodness a good citizen was concerned enough to know when it should be stopped. Good on him !

Parenting is tough, but abuse is abuse – such a difficult one comment on.