Jake's+Research+Abstract

Thesis: I think spanking is an acceptable form of discipline so long as it is done only as a last resort and to children generally between the ages of 2 to 10. Raising children is without a doubt one of the most difficult jobs that one will ever have. One of the most important responsibility that fall on parents is discipline. The methods of discipline in rearing children have split families, physicians, and even countries. Everyone has an opinion, mom, dad, his parents, her parents, the pediatrician, friends, neighbors, and even teachers. Those who oppose spanking say that it is abuse, that is detrimental to the total wellbeing of the child, and leads to a dysfunctional adult. Others advocate spanking. The thought being it can be used effectively, if done in the proper context. They do not believe that it should be used as the number one method of discipline. Second they do not believe that the government should dictate how parents raise their children. Discipline by definition means to instruct or educate. The foundation of effective discipline is respect. The ultimate goal for any parent is to raise a child whose behavior is acceptable and appropriate that will lead to an emotionally mature adult. Any form of discipline that is done maliciously and out of pure anger will harm the child’s emotional development. This would include spanking, as well as, time-outs, verbal screaming and yelling, and even restrictions. So it is important that parents that use spanking in conjunction with other methods of discipline keep their rules, expectations, and consequences clear and consistent for children. Those who oppose spanking have strong and persuasive arguments. There are many studies that show spanking has no positive effect on children or their future behavior. In fact, the studies show just the opposite. The top arguments should have any parent stopping and reconsidering their method of discipline with their children. In 1952, C.S. Lewis stated, “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims, may be the most oppressive. Those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” Although he was not specifically talking about spanking, it does support the illegal us of spanking quite well.