Chapter 3: Post 2
I worked at a daycare for a few years and it is clear that every family has its own way of disciplining a child. If the child had been misbehaving that day, I'd have to inform the parents. Most would go home and talk to their child in private, but some would handle the issue right in front of me. Once in a while, there would be a parent who would take a more aggressive approach when disciplining his or her kid. Though I never felt it was my place to give my opinion, I do feel some crossed the line.
The difference between disciplining and pushing is the intent behind your actions. Disciplining is when a child has done something wrong and you want to correct them. Pushing is when you are forcing your opinions and what you want onto your child, disregarding their own needs. A parent can be a strict discipliner and still not be a pusher. I was raised with very strict parents. At times I hated how rigid their rules could be, but I never doubted that it was for my best interest.
I think people overstep their paternal authority when, instead of trying to simply correct a wrongdoing, they are taking out their frustration and anger. Discipline should be seen as guidance. If there is hostility and anger being taken out on the child, there is going to be less guidance and focus on other's needs.

1 Comments:
While I have to agree with most of the points you made, I’m not sure that I agree with the idea that the “difference between disciplining and pushing is the intent behind your actions.” I say this only because I do believe that some parents who cross the line intend to correct a problem. Rather than intent, I believe that abuse is classified by the method of punishment and the effect that it has on the child. I think that often times (I have seen this myself) a person who has been, or is a victim of abuse themselves, doesn’t know how to properly engage with a child and handle a problematic situation correctly. Regardless of someone’s intent, the effect is what more clearly defines whether or not an action could be considered abuse or not. Other than that one point, I agree with everything else that you wrote.
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