As a teacher never, as a parent rarely. (How to Discipline Children)

Member Name: paggie

Product:	How to Discipline Children
Date:	09/09/00 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: NONE

Disadvantages: effectiveness decreases with amount of punishment

This is a very difficult subject that has caused concern for parents, teachers and government for the past several decades.

I am just about to start my second year training as a primary school teacher. During my very short time in the presence of qualified teachers - I have come to realise that CP should never be introduced. I have never seen a teacher give anything other than a verbal telling off. Even this is a discussion with the child to find the cause of the problems and trying to put in place ways of preventing future problems.

There have been numerous papers and books written on child discipline, and some very convincing arguments on dooyoo ( check out IanPaterson - Point of Breakdown). In the end it comes down to communication and negotiation.

Before we discipline children we need to discover the reason for the problem. And therefor, we must understand the way in which children think.

Desmond Morris talks about learned behaviour in many of his books. But the best books I have read are by Piaget, Vygotsky, Steiner, and my favorite so far, Tina Bruce.

As adults we have learned the language to help use inform people when we a re angry, sad, happy etc. A five year old child may be dissapointed that he can't see santa ( not understanding that the shop is closed) he has not yet learned the language to be ble to discus his feelings, so the only way to show them is to hav a tantrum. If this is then recipricated with physical punishment rather than discussion ( helping the child to learn the language) what are we telling the child.

No one has ever said it is easy bringing up children ( I have three) But we accept this responsability and we should do the best we can.

Parenthood is a full time occupation - I lose my temper with my children, usually when they are being demanding, argumentative, over zelous. But I mainly lose my temper when I'm tired, in pain or busy. It's those times
I have to think hard before overreacting.

Is it right for Teachers to Physically punish children - Never in any circumstance, ther are always other alternatives - including sending a child to another class.

Is it OK for parents to phsically punish children - No! but I have - so am I a bad parent or a parent who was just a bit overtired on day and didn't take time out.

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