Who Cares What You Think
Do you think it is okay for parents to physically discipline their children?
In each issue of Catalyst, we ask a selection of Torontonians their opinion on a particular topic. This issue, we asked “Do you think it is okay for parents to physically discipline their children?” Here’s what they said:
“That’s a huge debate. I would say no. Most people when they answer this question revert to their own experience… and some say that immigrant families tend to discipline their kids more that way. I’m part of an immigrant family and my parents never used any physical discipline with us. And we turned out great.” – Jason, 25
“I was, and I think I turned out okay. I don’t think it’s a big deal if they do, unless they are really physically hurting them to the point that there’s bruises and marks.” – Denise, 21.
“My dad was a headmaster and he used to hit me with a slipper and I don’t think I’ve been irreparably damaged. Of course, I can’t say the same for Alec Baldwin’s daughter...” – Richard, 42
“With hitting I don’t agree. Anything else is okay: time out, explaining what they did wrong, talking. I’m for setting up rules and if kids break them then they are punished with no going out with friends, no cell phones, some extra chores, whatever. And parents shouldn’t waver. That’s where parents make the big mistake.” – Muska, 42
“I don’t believe in hitting in any way – in anger or not. It doesn’t work. It sets a bad example.” – Lynn, mother of three
“Yes. I think there’s a point, particularly when kids are very young, when there is no logical reasoning with them and a smack on the hand or something is a way to convey “no” when you’ve tried verbally doing so and it hasn’t worked. I think the difference is that when it’s done in anger it’s always wrong.” – Elizabeth, 35
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