The Importance of Corrective Discipline and Constant Encouragement in Raising Well-Rounded Children

Earlier this week, a popular Twitter user posted one of her designs that depicted a mother punishing her child for reasons everyone was sure did not warrant that level of punishment. The graphic representation was very triggering, and that particular tweet got so many impressions. It became a full-blown discussion, and lots of people began to share their ugly childhood memories involving punishments from their parents, especially their mothers.

Anyone who read the tweets presented could tell that many of those adults still held deep grudges against their mothers for punishing them harshly without remorse. In fact, they confessed that they grew up to hate their mums. And it struck me once again that many people are indeed living with trauma from the kind of punishment meted out to them as kids.

_{Image from unsplash}

This abusive pattern is the reason we should be careful when suggesting that kids be punished. If the punishment borders on abuse, it should be condemned. But if it has proven to be truly corrective and free of harm, then parents or guardians can go ahead with it. After all, bad behaviour does have consequences.

When kids behave poorly or begin to exhibit bad habits they learned outside of the home, it’s only right to discipline them in corrective ways, such as grounding them for a week, making them scrub the dirty floor, ensuring they do everyone’s dishes, and restricting them from playing video games or watching their favourite shows. This way, they know that their bad behaviour attracts punishment, and eventually, they’ll learn to be obedient and well-mannered children.

Without punishment and counselling, kids may never understand the difference between right and wrong or why certain rules have been put in place for them. But its presence will help them become more aware and mindful of their actions.

_{Image from unsplash}

In the same vein, children should also be praised and rewarded for being well behaved. It would be in bad faith to discipline them all the time yet fail to acknowledge when they obey laid-down rules. They, too, would feel terrible because, as children, they want to be loved and appreciated for their efforts. So, it’s important for parents to equally utilize rewards to encourage them further. It could be in the form of allowances, vouchers for something they have always wanted, new clothes or games, and even positive words of affirmation.

We all should learn to tell kids that we are proud of them and go the extra mile to show it. This way, they also get to understand what it means to be good members of society. But when they’re never encouraged, they might begin to question why good behaviour is expected of them and whether or not it pays to be upright.

In conclusion, both the punishment and reward system work hand in hand in raising kids who will later become law-abiding members of society. The presence of one does not diminish the importance of the other, as long as both are done in the right way. But the absence of either, unfortunately, may lead to raising adults who care less about values and more about whatever they’ve set their hearts on, whether good or bad. So, I strongly encourage parents and every adult involved in the formative years of children to create a balance between punishment and rewards, as it remains one of the best ways to raise children.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!🤗