Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
Children are being physically beaten by their parents and guardians, this has been customary for numerous years in our country, but I think it is time we address and assess the physiological effects of these actions.
We want our youths to be the future, however, this cannot be fully manifested when their homes – which are supposed to be comfortable, protective and nurturing environs -systematically become battering grounds.
This most obviously cannot raise a generation that will not be affected physiologically, mentally and emotionally. We are all aware of the famous Bible verse in Proverbs, “spare the rod and spoil the child” and God is true to his word because he cannot lie, but the actions of some are often times ill-advised and expose the lack of preparedness for parenting.
The rod should not be interpreted as a pain-inflicting implement to restrict and discipline. I believe the rod that God was speaking of is the rod of wisdom – a powerful tool and a positive influence.
We have to acquire wisdom to discipline our children and stop physically beating them as a form of control. Children need three important things to encourage them: love, attention and time. I started doing this with my children and it is working.
I am not saying they became angels, but with those three things and the use of wisdom in disciplining, they were given hope, felt a sense of respect and developed a consciousness of not making you angry enough to punish them.
Believe me it is a process but it’s worth it; your children relate better with you. They feel loved, protected and are happy. This awareness will raise a future generation that will rise to become whatever they aspire to be without the memories of being physically beaten. Painful memories can spark a destructive habitual cycle. We need to counsel our parents on how to discipline children. We have the revelation and information on how to raise good, disciplined, happy, loyal and respectful children.
Let us say no to the physical rod and extend the rod through wisdom by using things they love and things they don’t like. For example, in disobedience, take away the privileges they crave. I know it is the hardest thing to do for a parent but some tough love gets the job done.
I also think the government should send a team of counsellors to help parents to cope, especially single mothers, with errant children. The counsellors should be parents of course – experienced, practice what they preach and be trained to help other parents, as well the children that act out in schools, and some that have been ‘dragged up’ and carry that mentality out of their dwelling places. These children need therapy.
I think there should be a child domestic act to prevent parents from mercilessly beating their children, in some instances until they are disfigured. Some parents beat because they are frustrated with life, themselves, their spouses or their finances. The least thing that happens they are easily angered, because of their situation. They also desire their children to behave in a certain manner.
Nothing is wrong with the latter statement, but it is a gradual process to get good mannerisms from your children. It doesn’t come instantaneously. Some parents just need to be more patient and understanding. They should get to know their children and they will be amazed how much of a joy they are and how much they can achieve together.
We have to stop, listen, wise up and shape our children’s lives in love and not physically abuse them, thus creating potentially violent individuals.
Many cannot recognize this but they are fueling violence. We do not need this in our society – children who are angry, violent, negative, and filled with fear. This hinders their growth and potential. We need happy, healthy, stable, intelligent and positive children in order to build a strong nation. Therefore we should no longer be silent but speak up and advocate for the rights of our children.
Maureen Stuart
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