With growing consumerism and a defenite shift in our values system, parenting has never been complex. Lately, several cases has been registerd where parents/teachers have beaten up children mercilessly over trivial issues. Is thrashing the right way to correct a child?

Today, children are extremely sensitive and intellectually stimulated. So word “Punishing” should not be used. Its a harsh word that leaves him hurt and angry. “Discipline” is the right term. Do not hit or use punitive methods as thats not the right resort to discipline the child.

Many parents complain that their chidren are intolerant.Ironically they themselves are aggresive and short tempered.After all, he is only emulating what he is experiencing.

Also there are much deeper and disturbing repercusions that follow an act of physical abuse.In cases where hitting is the way of disciplining, chances are, the child may get psychologically damaged forever. Low esteem and lack of confidence are the first casualities in this case.

The kind of actions to be taken to discipline a child varies depending on his age and how sensitive he is. Each case is unique. However there are few things that should be completely avoided. Use of physical force or insulting in front of others should always be no-no.Any kind of public humiliation leaves a negative impact on the child’s psyche.

So there we are , tackling smart kids who knows right from wrong already is easy. What elders need to do is treat their child as an individual and respect his fears, ambitions, apprehensions, complexes, rather than looking down on them. Only then children can have more rounded resposibilities.

Cyanora,
Ramki.