YES to Iron fist? NO!

by: Martha M. Mina    SR.B

      Whether to use iron fist or not in disciplining children has always left a big question mark in today’s society. Many would say “yes” to it because for them, that is the only way they could get through their children. Still, others would say “no” to the use of iron fist because for them, there are other (more humane) ways to discipline their children without hurting them physically or verbally. If you were to ask me, I would say “no” to the use of iron fist and “yes”  to proper disciplining of children.
      I think that it is very mean and selfish of parents to be physically and verbally abusing their children just because they are not patient enough to explain calmly and peacefully to their children whatever the problem is. I believe that it is alright to be a bit firm (but never harsh) when it comes to disciplining children. All the parent needs to do is to show his/her child that he/she means business but without hurting the child physically or verbally. And I also believe that parents should not be disciplining their children when their heads aren’t cooled off because this is when the physical or verbal abuse starts.
      Let us always keep in mind that inflicting physical or verbal injury wouldn’t always entail learning. The message that you would want to relay to your child when disciplining them wouldn’t be instilled in their minds if your manner of teaching it to them is not appropriate. The manner that you convey your message to your child is as important as the message that you would want to convey to them.