Tuesday, May 20, 2008

My Final Reflection on "The best method of Discipline for children."

DISCIPLINE:
Comes from the Latin word disciplina or "instruction"the root discere or "to learn",converts into "disciple" or "pupil."So it means to instruct,be it a person or animal in this case a child.In this field it refers to methods of modeling your child's character.Teaching them what is acceptable behavior in our society and what method of discipline you use be it "spanking's or timeouts"and figuring out which is best for a child's healthy development.

I have researched this topic and found out some very interesting facts.I found out that this is a very hot topic in our global society it is a global controversy.I started my research not knowing a clue none of this,or the fact that so many countries and states have either started or completely abolished CP.Also how many people are fighting to ban it or keep it.The fight also has the U.N. in it they are trying very hard and persistent to abolish CP by2009 trying to pass "The Child Discipline Bill"to end all "spankings" even within the child's household.(end corporal punishment.org)So far Romania,Germany,Israel,Sweden,Spain,and the first Latin American state to achieve full prohibition of CP then followed Venezuela.Since the 1970's global acceleration progress towards prohibition on CP has sharply increased 250%.


The "spanking"of children is as old as the "bible days."Most religions agree with it in the bible it says"If the child is not given the rod it will spoil"and many agree and disagree.(CP_prosecutions)believe that reasonable CP is a fundamental right of parents and that like-minded citizens should contact public officials to condemn any direct or indirect attempt to outlaw spanking.(Piaget Theory of cognitive development)Piaget was a French speaking Swiss theorist.He said that"children learn through hands-on experience and that the parents role is in helping them to interact and construct."I personally completely agree with Mr.Piaget as a kid I learned the best way I learned something was by hands-on experience.When just told how to do things not showed hands-on I tend to struggle but when taught hands-on I excelled and learnt whatever I was learning very quickly.(wikipedia.org)Family specialists have found and agreed that using physical force,threats,and put-downs can effect a child in a negative way causing many mental and emotional problems for the child.Twenty studies have found that CP is associated with the probability of mental health problems.Which means that if you "Whoop"your kids they are saying that they will have more mental problems.12 out of 13 studies found that CP is associated with higher delinquent and anti-social behavior,also that kids tend to approve more of peer violence.(Good,1999)study showed CP was also associated with suicidal thoughts,alcohol abuse,spousal abuse,and feelings of depression,(Mahoney,Donnelly 2000)also causes ADHD/disruptive behavior disorder,mood swings/anxiety disorder.Research says that "spanking"teaches the child that violence is appropriate and an"ok"way to settle a dispute thus comes the approval of peer violence.An interview of an unknown man gave his thoughts on CP(CP_prosecutions)"I believe that reasonable CP is a fundamental right of parents,and that like-minded citizens should contact public officials to condemn any direct or indirect attempt to outlaw spanking.You should know your child and your own limits and what works best with their personality.If you cant control your anger don't because you will leave marks.It should be done out of love not to release your anger never yell at the child or show anger,tell them you love them right after so they don't get the wrong impression,let them know you're teaching them to be a better person."

But many still agree with CP because it is believed to "humble"the child if you agree with this or not it this is the belief of many.Specialists say that you must be firm with your punishment because if you are to "soft"with the child he/she will take advantage knowing you will never really do anything drastic just send them to there room for an hour or so.You must establish at a very young age to the child that you are the "boss"what you say goes and they must obey your command.Specialists say not to be to strict because then they will do many things behind your back because they "want to taste the forbidden fruit"or so to say,because you allow them to do nothing.This I find very truthful because how many people you know have done things because there parent/s do not allow them to do not a thing in the world,so they do it when there is no authority to control them.The parent must remember that they are the "teacher"and probably the single most important figure in the child's life.Through them they will learn what's right and wrong,morals,and values of life"You raise an animal you'll get an animal for a child"is my belief.

In retrospect I believe there is no number 1 method or better way to discipline your child.(Missouri University)Has conducted research that contradicts that of others,about the mental health problems it causes.They say that if "spankings"is part of the child's culture then it negates these mental health issues such as anxiety disorder,substance abuse,and depression,etc.At the end of the day it is your child and everyone is unique/different.Whatever method you want to use for your child be it "spankings"or "timeouts"or maybe a mix of both remember you are the "teacher"of the child and you know what's best for your child.Just remember to show your child love and the right thing to do to be a good member of society.One thing I can tell you for a fact is that all this research I have done will most likely stay with me for the rest of my life.I started this research on a topic I taught I knew very well but trust me I was wrong this is a global controversy.I had no idea about it,it has opened my eyes to things I never knew.Hopefully those who read all this have learned something new and also opens your/there eyes like it did mine and helps brings you to conscience on this global controversy.

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