Spare the Rod

02/15/08

The bible says, “Spare the rod, spoil the child. Not too long ago the use of corporal punishment as way to teach children was an accepted axiom in the U.S., both at home and in the schools. Now newer psychological methods of corrective action (punishment) replace physical ones. We are so convinced of these newer techniques that we have passed laws prohibiting the use of corporal punishment not only for ourselves, but have pressured other countries to do the same. In Samoa corporal punishment is illegal; however, it is widely practiced.

For many the use of force on children is so abhorrent as to cause mental anxieties. Yesterday, Mary watched a 10-year-old neighbor girl being trashed and pulled by her hair by her mother for apparently not picking up the leaves and/or doing her homework. We know and greatly like both. Every fiber in Mary’s body wanted to intervene and stop this mismatch. The effects on Mary may be longer lasting than to either mother or child. These memories are really the hardest and most enduring aspects of living in a very different culture.

Mary and I were raised differently. She never experienced corporal punishment; I did.
Whether corporal or psychological techniques are used it seems that most children grow up into responsible, law abiding adults. The children of Samoa seem to be a happy lot. Their parents are loving and caring.

As for me, I prefer the swift and clear-cut action of corporal punishment when oral persuasion fails. I certainly do not condone either physical or psychological abuse. As to the long-term effects of the two contrasting styles of our parents, others have to be the judge.