As a parent, I am not averse to mild physical punishment of children at home. But it can be avoided or better still if it’s not necessary at all. I hope we have our own view regarding it. We can defend our own views too. In that way, it depends on the one who use it and who don’t use it.
Years ago, I, unwillingly, had to administered the rod of discipline on my son for the first time. All the negotiations had failed. I had already told him if he didn’t abide with the authority (here the father i.e. me), physical punishment may ensue.
The case: Playing time was over. He demanded more. It was time for just 10-15 minutes of learning. He did not comply. The authority was challenged. If the authority can be surpassed every time, it’d had no meaning to its existence. My son pleaded the wrong way, with crying and throwing the toys. It was time to do something.
All possible efforts were done to let him know what he did was just wrong. That is, to remain calm. It was impossible to condone the situation. So I administered what was promised, just two times. He submitted himself right away.
I took him in my arms and held him tight. We say prayer for forgiveness and ask God to help us in the future. We acknowledge Him to be our witness. And that, He bless our effort to be good and inculcate wisdom in the right way. By the time we finished our prayer, we both said “Amen” in agreement.
My son said, “Papa, sorry! I will be a good boy…” Tears of happiness ensued. I gently rubbed his pain with my hands so that the pain might ease soon. At the same time, I am comforting him. Assuring him, whether good or bad he will always be mine. I will always love him. I also reminded him it was out of love, and it won’t happen again unless otherwise needed. In a moment, both of us became happy.
By the way, we all need to know there is a higher authority in the society and in the world. Those who can outrun authority from childhood are a menace to the society. By the time they grow up, none can teach them the right way. They cannot live responsibly in the realm of the society. They have power within them, they thought.
It’s just that we needed to react in time. Love can sometimes be painful though!
Dear son, I love you more. You will always be mine!
*(This is written based on my journal some years ago.)
