Many parents use punishment to teach the different between right and wrong to kids. Many think punishment is unnecessary to help children learn the distinction between right and wrong. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many parents use punishment to teach the different between right and wrong to kids. Many think punishment is necessary to help children learn the distinction between right and wrong. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Punishment And Parenting

Parenting has always been a tricky job because it needs people to handle one of the most difficult beings on the planet, i.e. the children. This job can test the wits of parents especially when it comes to teaching the kids about differentiating between the good and bad. Involving some sort of punishment in teaching process is sometimes regarded as a critical component of parenting; however, critics despise this practice.

Juveniles are adventurous, immature and often prone to adopting ways of erratic behavior. Their inquisitive tender minds often lead them into exploring such activities and domains which should otherwise be avoided during growing years.  It is necessary to dissuade them from such expeditions and as per some parents, chastising is the best way is prevent the kids from taking up habits or involving themselves into such habits that have a potential of hampering their growth.

Furthermore, rebuke and reprimand have always been regarded as the short cuts to inciting discipline among the young ones. The fear of cane and verbal punishment have always deterred the growing kids from doing something over adventurous, and instead encouraged them to take up righteous path that is disciplined and fruitful. The kids disciplined at home are thought to grow up as those rational adults who know the difference between good and evil.

However, modern psychologists and social scientists disapprove and reject theory of rebuke. As per them, there is no place for punishment in a caring relationship and moreover, chastising can often result in severe consequences where the children either grow up as violent adults or take extreme steps in their growing years.

To sum up, I feel although the view of modern child psychologists holds true in contemporary era, traditional concept of upbringing cannot be completely overruled, making this practice relevant even today.