Is it necessary to punish children? It is always a hot topic for discussion. A majority of us maintain that proper punishment should be given to children. Others have the view that punishment will have a negative effect on children and so we should refrain from that. I am always against punishing children. There are many reasons why punishment is not good. What do you say about it?
Children are mischievous in nature. They are playful also. The dictionary defines the word ‘mischief’ as playful misbehavior. Grownups usually enjoy the mischief of children because they are done playfully and also because
children are not considered as responsible persons like adults. But there are occasions when this playful misbehavior goes beyond limits. Parents think that children should be punished on such occasions to correct their behavior.But in my opinion, children should never be punished for their mischievous behavior. It is the nature of children to be mischievous. If they are not, they are not children. It is part of their innocence. When it goes beyond limits, parents can advise the child. They can instruct the child about the right behavior in a loving manner. If that does not produce the desired effect, strict warning can be given. No child will want to defy a loving father or mother. So, it is important that you love your children. And that love should be so expressed that they know you love them very much. Then you will never have to punish your children.
Another reason for which children get punished by parents is the low grades they get at school. Parents should understand that this is not a reason to punish children. There should be some reason for the low grades of the child. That reason should be found out. It may be due to laziness or lack of interest on the part of the child. You should then find a solution for the problem. Then
the child will improve.Another reason for the low grades may be the inefficiency of the child to study. One should understand that every child is not equally efficient in studies. The capacity to learn varies from child to child. A child will not be able to go beyond his capacity. Without punishing, parents should encourage the child to utilize his capacity to the maximum. When the child gets to higher classes, subjects of study should be selected in accordance with the interests and capacity of the child and it should not be in accordance with the interests of the parents alone. Parents may be having big dreams about their children. But remember that children are not instruments to fulfill the dreams and wants of parents.
The most important thing is that there should be an atmosphere of love at home. The parents should love each other and the children should know that. They should love their children and they should show their love. The children will love them back and they will have a feeling of security. No child will want to disobey or defy a loving and understanding parent. Then parents will not find any difficulty in managing children. There won’t be any necessity to punish children. That’s the power of love. Try it. You won’t ever have to punish your children. My father had never punished me as a child and I also have never punished my children.
Punishment will wound the self esteem of a child. It will demoralize him and urge him to rebel. Once he becomes a rebel, it is never easy to correct him.
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