Proverbs 23 verses 13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
Reflecting on the crucial role that discipline played in the upbringing of children in the past, particularly in African societies like Nigeria, there is a difference. In earlier times, when technology was not the primary influence on daily life, discipline was regarded as an essential component of child-rearing. However, today, many parents reject any form of discipline, tagged as abuse or mistreatment. Phrases like "Don't touch my child" and "How dare you scold my child?" echo through homes, indicating a cultural shift that prioritizes children's rights over parental authority.
In many African cultures, especially in Nigeria, the family traditionally upheld respect for parents, making the idea of raising one’s voice at them or even considering legal action against them unthinkable. These values were embedded and shaped how children interacted with their parents. Unfortunately, we now witness a troubling trend of some parents adopting foreign cultural norms that emphasize a lack of discipline. Many believe that imposing strict boundaries or corrections might harm their children emotionally and mistakenly discipline them with abuse.
Myself and the kids
A well-trained child learns the importance of discipline as a form of love. Even the Bible supports the necessity of guidance in a child's upbringing. Proverbs 22 verse 6- Start children off on the way they should go, and even if they are old, they will not depart from it These bible verses illustrate that the growth of a child and moral development often require some form of correction. The wisdom contained in these versesexpatiatess that discipline is not only beneficial but divinely endorsed.
The repercussions of this change are visible and concerning. Many children in the current generation exhibit behaviors that reflect a disregard for their parents. My cousin,n who lives in the US, A, was concerned by her children’s refusal to accept any form of discipline and opted to send them back to Nigeria for their education and to be trained. She felt that the strict standards upheld here in Nigeria would help them regain the values they were losing. They pursued secondary and university education in Nigeria, where the expectations and disciplinary measures they encountered helped realign their behavior. They are good behaviors now👌
The lessons imparted by our parents through discipline are strong. They equipped us with the skills necessary to navigate life as responsible individuals. I cherish the bond I share with my parents, knowing that their efforts shaped me into the person I am today. The thoughts of suing one's parents can render the importance of the parent-child relationship less valued.
If this trend continues, what kind of world will we inhabit? We have already begun to witness the deterioration of familial bonds and respect. A larger percentage of today’s youth engage in behavior that defies moral standards, as the notion of respect for parents is becoming a thing of the past. The abnormal seems normal,l and these are contrary to the values that once were instilled through appropriate discipline.
In conclusion, using parents under the guise of protecting children from discipline is a misguided and extreme response. We must reevaluate our approach to parenting, recognizing the value of discipline in nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in society. The balance between love and discipline is critical, and it is high time we restore the principles that have traditionally guided our families.
The society will be lawless and the concerned children will be like sheep without shepherds
My response to the #hivelearners writing edition two on the topic; TO SUE YOUR PARENTS.
