Older generations are of the belief that the fastest way to discipline children is to hit them. They claim that children can be best controlled by physical punishment. This essay will argue that in the bringing up of children, using physical methods of control are not only completely unnecessary but also incredibly harmful to children’s mental health and the relationships they form throughout their lives.
Some folk believe that smacking children is the only way to control their behavior. These people often grew up in homes where physical punishment was a norm and now when they have children of their own are sometimes uninformed of the repercussions of following the same methods of discipline as their parents. For instance, some people who have grown up to be stable, successful adults do indeed attribute their success to the way they were disciplined as children. These older ways have led people to believe that there may be some method to the madness of smacking children to keep them in line.
Despite the tired theories of discipline through physical punishment, the idea that it is necessary to train behavioral issues in children is completely outrageous. Whereas, the method of rewarding has proved to be an excellent motivator for children’s obedience. Studies show that when children are shown affection instead of anger and degradation, they are far more likely to blossom and have better levels of confidence. It is important to remember that children are human beings with emotions, and they respond best when treated gently and with kindness.
This essay argued that gentle parenting is a far more powerful tool than corporal punishment. In my opinion, it is absolutely inappropriate and undignified to raise a hand to children despite of any small behavioral issues.