Arielle Centeno
Period 7- Debate
A Better Alternative
Physical punishment is an ineffective method and should undoubtedly be seen as a deficient way of disciplining children. From what recent studies have shown it has been proven that hitting your children in order to correct their actions is in fact doing the very opposite. Spanking your children not only increases their aggressive behavior but also in addition, will damage their perception of what is right and wrong. Talking to your child and helping them understand what they did is a more feasible form of communication. It is a fine line between constructive discipline and abuse. Yet, who’s to say where the line is crossed?
Studies show that 1 in 3 children that were physically disciplined by their parents will end up in jail or committing a criminal act. Could it be a misunderstanding, a lack of composure or just plain tolerance? When it comes to a point where parents have to resort to hitting their child, I believe that this method doesn’t work. Time outs, taking away privileges or anything you feel they don’t deserve is a better alternative. I am living proof that having grown up in a household that believes in anti-discipline, has helped me function better in society and has made me the person I am today. Now my goal is not to stand up and say my method is right and yours will always be wrong, but instead to offer you a different perspective that ultimately will have your child respect and understand you. As a parental figure it’s your responsibility to set that example early on and find conducive ways of raising them. Thank you.