Essay, Research Paper: Non-Violent Methods For Training Children

Non-Violent Methods Are A More Effective Way Of Training Children
In contemporary society, it is generally assumed that children receive a better
education by teaching them with non-violent methods, although this was not the case for
centuries. Since the early Victorian times, the general feeling was "Spare the rod and
spoil the child." During these times children were physically disciplined in both the
school and at home. Only with the enlightened parenting views of the 1960's and forward
have experts come to the realization that children are far better off when they are raised
non-violently. What in fact are these differences and how do they affect the child? Abuse
can cause a child to be confused by the parent’s actions. The parent’s actions are what
cause a negative effect on the child's development and on society as a whole.
Parents often give mixed messages about abuse. When children hear about abuse
in the media they know that they should not be abused, and often the parents will echo
these sentiments. Yet, when a parent becomes angry or frustrated in their own lives, they
strike out at the innocent victim, the child. This makes the child more confused and
distant their trust of authority figures. Economics also has a lot to do with violence. It is
well known that domestic violence occurs more often among families who are financially
strapped for long periods of time. The lack of material resources can heighten the
occurrences of domestic violence. A parent will often neglect the needs of the child and
focus on their needs. Substance abuse is common among families where violence is
found.
When a child is hit, the only thing she or he grows up with, as a priority is
defensiveness and need for protection from others, particularly if the beating begins at a
young age. (100-114). In the book, Essentials of Psychology, Rathus describes a case of
an 11 year old boy Max, who has finally been remanded to see a therapist, and is the
victim of abusive parents. He describes how his perception of the experience is initially,
"bull*censored*," and how he was defensive with the therapist. He said the only reason he was
there was " because his stupid mother had forced him to go



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