Quote by Sydney Smith, quoted by by Karl
Granted there are instances in which children have been reared in an atmosphere of inconsistency where value training of any kind was entirely missing; but even in these cases, it is the lack of loving guidance and structure rather than the lack of punitive retribution that has triggered the behavioral manifestations of delinquency. In a high percentage of court cases, there is evidence that the child has met with punishment that has not only been frequent but in many cases excessive. In fact, one of the sources of the child's own inadequate development is the model of open violence provided by the parent who has resorted repeatedly to corporal punishment, usually because of his own limited imagination. This indoctrination into a world where only might makes right and where all strength is invested in the authority of the mother or of the father not only makes it easy for the child to develop aggressive patterns of behavior but makes him emotionally distant and distrustful.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the role of loving guidance and structure in shaping a child's behavior, rather than punitive retribution. It acknowledges that inconsistent upbringing and the absence of value training can contribute to delinquency, but argues that the primary factor is the lack of supportive parenting. Many court cases reveal that excessive punishment, especially physical discipline, hinders a child's development rather than deter delinquency. The repetitive use of corporal punishment not only limits a parent's imagination but also exposes the child to a model of violence, reinforcing aggressive behavior and emotional distance, ultimately leading to distrust.
Topics
Parenting
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