Gold Queen Tobias

 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” This statement comes from the Proverb which I totally agree, but I believe, discipline must come with certain limitations. The wealth of knowledge that can be acquired by a child cannot be restricted in academic lessons only but also in character development as well, whether it is at the school or at home. Also, we cannot limit the child’s education by giving them information from books, because discipline is also a part of the learning process. Though there is a law in the land that should be strictly observed, teachers and parents should also give rules for their children to follow. Discipline is helping children learn how to behave, as well as how not to behave. Punishments should also be properly disclosed to them to give awareness to the children. Moreover, disciplining a child is also an essential part his/her growth because the habit that the child acquired would later become his/her character that probably determine his/her future. Proverb 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Such training will give both parents and teachers easier teaching approach when their children get older. Research made by Statistics Center in Semarang says that many youngsters are easier to obtain good behavior when they get lessons before they reach their maturity. So that, when they know that there will be a punishment for a wrong behavior, they will refrain from committing mischievous deeds. This research provides an idea that a lesson followed by proper punishments at an early age is making the young people be good citizens that will result to a peaceful and pleasant society. However, we should treat children accordingly because they are very vulnerable. In their innocence, what they see especially from adults, is what they do. So, when giving certain punishments, always make sure to state the reason for the punishment like, what rule did he break and what should be done. Punishment should be implemented to teach a lesson not to over-power or intimidate a child. The parents and the teachers should come up with a loving approach to teach a child when giving a punishment and properly say that if the same mistake happens again, there will be a different punishment, harder but definitely not something that may cause trauma. This is because a severe punishment could damage the child psychologically. Sometimes, a simple punishment like, not allowing them to use their most favorite toy can be an effective discipline where physical punishment is not involved. Parents and teachers are the most influential people in the lives of the children. So they should keep in mind that the purpose of the discipline is to give a lesson. With all being said, it can be concluded that a loving way to punish a child is not bad, most especially, if this will make the child a better person in the future.