Discipline in Children

Discipline is an important component of the growth process of children (Child Discipline). Since the beginning of time, discipline techniques used have varied with each family. However, the general importance of discipline within a household has been commonly accepted. One may ask, “What is discipline exactly?” It is human nature to challenge authority. As a natural part of development, children tend to test there boundaries. Discipline is the consequences of their misbehavior. If done in an appropriate manor, it is an effective way to teach children right from wrong while encouraging moral, physical, and intellectual development at the same time (Child Discipline).

According to the Committee for Children (2004), “Parental discipline of children is designed to help children engage better with others and to modify or control their behavior. Providing appropriate discipline to children is one of the most essential responsibilities of a parent. And providing consistent and positive discipline helps children grow into responsible adults” (Child Discipline).

So, why are various methods used and what techniques are deemed appropriate? Also, in terms of appropriateness, does it vary with children with disabilities?

Children differ in personality and developmental levels, so logic brings one to the conclusion that effective discipline will differ with each child also. For example, even confined within one household, one technique may be effective with one child and not with one’s sibling. It is important to determine the most effective approach with each child and be consistent with one’s methods to ensure the comprehension of their limits (Effective Discipline Tips). It is also important to distinguish the difference between age and developmental level. For example, a child with retardation may be 10 years old but be at a five year old’s developmental level. Appropriate discipline and limits for the child should be set according to his or her developmental level (Effective Discipline Tips). Some children, however, use their disabilities as an excuse for their misbehavior. In The Miracle Worker, Ms. Sullivan tries impress the fact that Helen was not retarded. Helen’s parents had simply let her do as she pleased because of her deaf and blindness. Ms. Sullivan refused to allow Helen’s disabilities to right her misbehavior. She used consistent discipline with Helen so that the consequences of her actions were predictable. There was nothing disabled about Helen’s developmental level, therefore Ms. Sullivan disciplined her accordingly. At one point in the film, Ms. Sullivan even slaps Helen across the face in response to Helen’s slap on Ms. Sullivan’s face. Some may scowl at her technique, but I believe it was necessary in establishing Ms. Sullivan’s authority. With that in mind, one may ask, “Is physical discipline appropriate?”

Studies reveal that physical discipline is a negative form of teaching. “American Humane, as a policy, opposes the use of physical discipline on children at home, in the community, or in school”(Child Discipline). The reasons for there opposition include:

• Increases anxiety and fear

• Hinders the development of empathy and compassion for others

• Makes children angry in response

• Heightens aggression toward others

• Decreases compliance and increases resistance

• Harms relationship with parent or caregiver

• Potentially causes unintended and severe physical injury

• Decreases self-esteem

• Increases the probability for an array of undesirable social and psychological behaviors

• Teaches that violence is an acceptable way to handle conflict

Although physical discipline is deemed negative, corporal punishment is still among some schools. “Corporal punishment involves the application of some form of physical pain in response to undesirable behavior” (Knapp). The U.S. Department of Education’s studies of the 1999-2000 school year showed that children with disabilities received corporal punishment at higher rates than others. The disabilities include children with: autism, learning disabilities, speech/language impairment, orthopedic problems, emotional disturbance, and other disabilities (News 14). Even though the reasons for the higher rates weren’t given in the study, I wonder if it’s because the children weren’t connecting there misbehavior with the punishment that was given to them later. It has already been established that having disabilities doesn’t make misbehavior acceptable, but if physical discipline