Children-Upbringing

A Malaysian official and his wife  were detained in Sweden-punished for an act of disciplining  a child .-a matter of  carrying  out his religious obligations-praying.  All it took was a slap (hit)  on the hand and they land on the wrong side of  the law. A greater cruelty then took place. Separation of Parents and the children-the parents one  side were detained and on the other side -the children -sent to foster homes, until such time the parents were free to go home. And then afterwards-what then? How will that sad episode  affect the child-the cause and the source of the "punishment" Will it build up feelings of guilt in the child or will it feed his ego and give him  a false sense of power over his parents? What about  the parents ? How are they to continue on with their roles as parents effectively?? How will it affect the future relationship of parents and child?

True, that is  the law of that country...so compliance is the order of the day.  But, as an Asian mother, I believe- a smack or two is good to straighten children that they walk down the right directions-grow up  educated and worthy of their purpose in life.  Even in the eyes of the West, that punishment must appear a little extreme. We have high profiled people who not only believe in the power of touch as in love, but also a little smack to cure children of bad habits. All children must be guided and moulded. Sometimes, words, warnings , goes unheeded. There is such a thing as turning  a deaf ear.  For children who grew up crooked and lacking in character-the blame almost always fall on the parents.?Didn't your parents teach you  better... xtra..??.Or the disgusted remark after an ill-mannered person. "Lack of  parental guidance! Lack of good upbringing!"That is a direct hit at parents.

We definitely do not advocate abuse or harsh punishments-in the upbringing of a child, but it is the responsibility of each and every parent to mould and guide their children that they grow up useful and worthy human beings, with good virtues instilled within  to guide their own offspring later on. To some families, whether Asians or European,East or West, of whatever faith- Muslim,Christian,Buddhist, Hindus and so forth. having the presence of God in the family is important.I do sympathise and empathise.