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Submitted by madmom on Wed, 2008-07-23 12:32.
Heard about this on the radio this a.m.
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/2008/07/21/twiggs_paddling_returns.html
We need to get back to the basics and our children may learn a little more respect.
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So one of the problems the school system is having is fights – the article said 62 had been reported. I'm not really sure how hitting a kid for hitting another kid teaches any lesson.
What would be your solution?
I am curious about what you think would solve the problem. We always hear your questions. What would they do up north? Surely there are no fights there since they do things right.
I just don't think that hitting someone, especially if the rule they broke already involves violence, is the solution.
For your normal kid who gets into some occasional trouble I think things like detention or restriction from extracurricular activities send the message. But, like greater society, there are some kids who are just bad for whatever reason. I don't know what to do with them.
Not same not same. To attack someone with the intent to hurt or even kill just because he looked at you the wrong way or is wearing the same colors and to smack your child when he misbehaves are tow totally different things. My kids learned early enough that I mean business so spanking is rarely needed anymore. Time out is something my dad took out from his busy schedule to straighten me out with a few whacks of his belt.
I began teaching in the early 70's in a nearby county where spanking by teachers was almost a rite of passage...the principal looked at it as you were required to handle your classroom - if you needed to paddle students (and this was middle school) and you didn't - you were a weak teacher. I was a new teacher, very naive, fresh out of college.... I struggled with discipline as I refused to hit a kid. I actually had the principal hand me the paddle one day, then leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed - as if to say, "let's see if you're man enough."
There were times when spanking worked - for the most part, however, it didn't - most teachers seemed to be paddling the same kids - for those kids, I doubt anything would have worked. There were those borderline kids that the threat of spanking kept in line...so maybe it was somewhat of a deterrent.
The one thing that sticks in my mind - years after I had taught this one particular kid, he showed up in my classroom, he was HUGE - kid was awful in school ...think I ended up paddling him a few times a month...he walked in and introduced himself - I'm thinking "UH-OH" - big smile came over his face and he reached out and took my hand. Told me he wanted to apologize for being so bad, said he always remembered how I use to paddle him so much...then he said, "You know what, you were the only one who cared enough to try and make me behave."
Come on Stoney, you know as well as I that people who do not have children have all the answers on how to best raise them. I have family members who were "perfect parents" and knew how to raise "perfect kids" ...until they had them. Now they struggle along like the rest of us doing the best they can to discipline and instill respect in their children.
My children grew up with a "spanking spoon". I may have used it 2-3 times total...that was enough to let them know that I meant business and was not making hollow threats. I am pleased to say that I,too, have well mannered, respectful children who do not appear to be "scarred" by their discpline.
So one of the problems the school system is having is fights – the article said 62 had been reported. I'm not really sure how hitting a kid for hitting another kid teaches any lesson.
And apparently, neither were the first kid's parents.
Do you have any kids, Meghann?
I for one am so tired of parents that try to reason with little monsters, oops, kids in a store or public place while the kid continues in their disruptive or in some cases damaging and dangerous behavior. They talk, threaten, repeat, repeat, repeat, and the kid knows that there is absolutley nothing to back up those threats.
Too many parents don't realize their role is to be a PARENT not a best buddy. That comes later when there is mutual respect and admiration.
Some of the most chilling words of my junior high career were "OK gentlemen, grab your ankles" just before the vice principle applied the 'Board of Education' to the seat of understanding. It was painful and embarrassing, and those are valid feelings. Generally, we didn't screw up the same way twice.
Most of us (at least those at my age or older) faced the possibility of a paddle on a daily basis when we were in school. We all survived it and most likely benefited from it in the long run. We constantly belittle the educational system because the kids of today aren't excelling in great numbers. At the same time however we have taken the hammer away from our educators. As kids we may not have liked a particular teacher, but we da-med sure respected them! I think it's a good idea!