2).
Strict discipline does not necessarily equate to abuse, I think we all can agree on this. While discipline plays an important role in the parent/child relationship, it can happen that parents will cross the line into physical or verbal abuse.
Perhaps that best case study for this might be wether or not spanking a child is appropriate. By definition, spanking is supposed to reinforce strict discipline by way of pain. A parent who lightly slaps their kid on the rear-end for a mild offense, I don’t think qualifies as abusive parenting. You can disagree with the methods used - I would suggest to the parent alternative ways of dealing with the issue - the real question, however, is to what degree this is inflicted.
I would also lump verbal abuse along with physical abuse, as equally damaging to a young child. I’ve seen exhaustion plus frustration push parents into a corner. They stop thinking rationally and often react to situations inappropriately.
Ben,
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you that a parent spanking their child on the rear-end shouldn’t be considered physical abuse. By spanking a young child we show them that what they did wrong will be followed by consequences. Often times telling a child they did something wrong doesn’t register in their head as much a simple spanking. The point of spanking a child shouldn’t be to physically abuse them, but more to show them that there will be repercussions for their poor decision. Every parenting situation is different, yet based on my experiences and the way that I was raised spanking should be utilized in parenting.
, Mark
Ben,
ReplyDeleteI cant agree with you more, most people from the college generation were spanked, for the most part, and now days its clear that you basically cant place a hand on a child, or so I thought. After reading a bit into it not that long ago, you actually can spank the child, as long as bruising doesn't occur. Now I think that there is a aggression that some parents have that they merely think that children are adults and they just plain and simply cross the line with striking. I also do agree with verbal abuse being equally as damaging as physical abuse, and I have seen it first had with some of the kids I work with. It affects these kids long term, and its something that is hard for them to forget, its really a shame. Good Post!