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Parents, get the point across without hitting

Leslie Brennan-Somps East Lyme

Publication: The Day

Published 03/17/2010 12:00 AM
Updated 03/17/2010 04:35 AM

Katrina Gathers' statement that "Parents need to be given the leeway to do what they think is right to keep their child in line ... " is naive and sad. ("Good parenting means creative discipline," March 12.) Children should never be hit by parents. Of countless jobs we have as parents, "teacher" and "role model" are insignificant.
A child who is hit grows up to hit. A child who is hit is likely to grow up to believe violence can be an answer. Abusers are not born, but created.
How far does "leeway" extend? When does a "smack" or "swat" become a slap or a punch? And "switches"? Really? What about belts? Is it OK to leave welts on children to prove a point?
Parents need to be the grown-ups in the family. Grown-ups don't hit. They use language to convey information. Parents need to model rational, calm responses to difficult problems, not violence. It's hard. No one said being a parent is easy.
It's disturbing, but not surprising, that there exists the notion that it's the parents' "right" to hit children. Maybe it's your "right," but is it right?
Please think about how to get your point across to children without hitting.

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