Withholding Food and Water: A Cruel and Prohibited Form of Discipline
When parents drop their kids off at daycare, they trust the facility to meet their child’s basic needs of food, water, rest, and safety. But unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. One of the more shocking forms of daycare neglect we’ve seen involves caregivers withholding meals, snacks, or water as a form of punishment.
It may sound unbelievable, but sadly, we’ve represented multiple families whose children were denied basic necessities like food and water as a disciplinary tactic. Some daycare workers, often out of frustration or a lack of proper training, believe this is an acceptable way to manage behavior.
Let’s be clear: it’s not. Not only is this a cruel and unnecessary tactic, but it’s also a direct violation of Texas’s minimum standards for childcare centers. In some cases, it may even rise to the level of child abuse and neglect under state law.
How Withholding Food and Water Affects Children
The damage caused by withholding food and water can be immediate and long-term. Young children may experience:
- Physical harm from dehydration or hunger
- Emotional trauma and fear associated with eating and drinking
- Behavioral changes due to stress, confusion, and a disrupted sense of safety
Children deserve care, compassion, and consistency. No child should be punished by being denied something as essential as food or water.
Other Forms of Prohibited Punishment at Texas Daycares
Unfortunately, withholding meals isn’t the only harmful disciplinary method we’ve encountered. Other prohibited practices that violate Texas daycare regulations include:
- Refusing to change a baby’s diaper
- Preventing a child from using the restroom
- Not allowing a child to participate in regular play or learning activities
- Forcing a child to nap when they would prefer a quiet alternative activity
These forms of punishment aren’t just wrong- they can also have serious physical, emotional, and developmental consequences.
What to Do If Your Child Was Punished This Way at Daycare
If you find out your child has been subjected to any of these forms of discipline, it’s important to take action quickly. Daycares that use prohibited punishments are putting children at risk and violating state laws meant to protect them.
Talking with a daycare injury attorney can help you understand your options and begin the process of holding the facility accountable.
At The Button Law Firm, we’ve seen how deeply these situations can impact families. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through the legal steps—and support you every step of the way.
Not Ready to Talk? Start With Our Free Guide
We know that reaching out to a lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially after something as upsetting as daycare abuse or neglect. If you’re not quite ready to call, we get it.
That’s why we created a free 5-step guide for families dealing with daycare injuries. It covers what to look for, how to document concerns, and what your rights are under Texas law.
You can download it here to get started.
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