Is it appropriate to spank a child?

From the title of this essay, writing such an essay is obviously going to be one of the most interesting essay topics that a student could ever be asked to write on. This subject goes deep into the traditions of families and is therefore a very sensitive topic An essay on “Is it Appropriate to Spank a Child?” is very interesting, because of the opposing views that people hold over the issue; as some strongly support spanking as an ideal form of punishment, while others say that spanking is too harsh a form of punishment. Whichever side a student decides to choose it will require a lot of credible data to back up the position taken, and the arguments made, in the “Family and Consumer Science” essay. In such an essay on “Is it Appropriate to Spank a Child?” class notes may be utilized, but only as far as the introduction is concerned, because it can be challenging trying to cite class notes in such an essay. Class notes therefore may only be used to guide the whole process, and to enable one have a rough idea of the kind of books to look for, and derive information from. Such an essay also requires that the writer drafts a plan that will guide the essay writing process, and once the plan of the essay begins to take shape, the student should develop a strategy that will help the student find the kind of useful information that is necessary for this argument. Normally, the student should begin by reading the recommended texts for the course first.

Is it appropriate to spank a child?

Parents want their children to be disciplined and respectful as they grow up. They are always determined to ensure that the children respect the norms of the society. according to Bowden and Greenberg (2009), this according to them means that the children should get rewards for anything that they do in accordance with the social norms. Those who choose to do otherwise are punished. Some parents think that children punishment should be done by spanking. This has led to a debate on the appropriateness of spanking in disciplining a child (Bowden & Greenberg, 2009, p.190).

Sometimes spanking a child is seen as a disciplinary measure. It is not appropriate to spank a child because this brings confusion to the young kids who cannot understand the reason as to why they are spanked. Obedience is not brought by canning but how the child is socialized. Obedience in children implies that the children conform to the norms of the society in which they are members. Poor socialization brings about deviance and the parents belief that spanking will teach deviant the child to be obedient. A child who is repeatedly spanked is likely to become a bully in school just to revenge. Such children are so much used to spanking that they have no fears even if they are threatened to be whipped. A child will always think that it is appropriate to vent his/her anger by physical punishment. Such a child will do the same to colleagues making spanking a habit in a family. Once a parent spanks a child, the child tends to remember the canning more than a good toy that the parent bought for him or her (Bowden & Greenberg, 2009, p.190).

Spanking leaves a bad impression on, an impression that their parents do not love the child and cares nothing about the child’s happiness. Spanking is sometimes considered as child abuse as some parents, teachers and guardians spank kids to a point if hurting them physically. This brings psychological and emotional trauma to the child. The child who is often spanked becomes emotionally withdrawn and his/her self esteem is lowered.