Disciplining children

Norman Yee, Nadi

The case of the suspended principal of RKS brings to the fore once more of the need for allowing head teachers and principals to apply corporal punishment in schools. Children need discipline to keep them in line. Our laws that followed secular teachings and ignoring God's wisdom are to me the cause of bad behaviour by our youngsters. The Bible clearly states in Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children disciplines them.” Nowadays parents can't smack their children and head teachers and principals are not allowed to administer corporal punishment. I have read about schoolchildren misbehaving and swearing in buses as well and fighting in public. It seems the lack of punishment causes youngsters to defy authority. As children we were smacked when we did wrong. The pain was enough to deter further mischief. But our parents loved us and cared for us. The problem is when the parents discipline in anger and not love. That's what expert psychologists are harping about and then wrongly believe all forms of corporal punishment are wrong. From this we are breeding a whole host of illdisciplined children for generations to come. Parental neglect and hence lack of discipline and setting of boundaries are generally the cause. The lack of love and support has a lot to do with suicides and teenage pregnancies as well. Come on parents, show more love and concern for your children as they grow up and a whole new generation model citizens will make Fiji proud! ■ NORMAN YEE, will receive a Philips 2 Slice Sandwich Maker as our May Letter of the Month winner. His letter was published on May 9, 2018.