2008 Woodie Awards
Lawmakers push for smoking, spanking bans for parents
Kathryn Budzynski
Issue date: 2/8/07 Section: Opinion
"I think it is common sense," said Greene.
While the Bangor smoking ban is passed and now in effect, there is a proposed law in California that could outlaw spanking children under the age of four.
According to an article on msnbc.com by Victoria Clayton, if this bill becomes a law, parents can be charged a fine of up to $1,000 or a year in jail for such behavior as spanking. There are several other forms of discipline that parents can resort to when children are acting up. For example, time-outs usually work when enforced at an early age.
In reality, any form of punishment can be effective when disciplining a child just as long as there are clear boundaries set between the parent and child, and the child understands why he or she is being disciplined. It is often that parents use physical punishment when they have lost all patience. I believe that an occasional spanking, when a child really deserves it, may be appropriate. However, using spanking as a form of controlling a child is not necessary. Many parents fail to set boundaries with their children regarding rules, behavior, etc. This, in the long run, can eliminate having to bribe or hit children in order for them to simply behave.
Along with countless other measures society has taken to protect the health and well-being of children, these prove that new steps can be taken all the time. Both the smoking ban and the possible spanking ban will, ultimately, mediate parents' actions that may not be of the best judgment.
While the Bangor smoking ban is passed and now in effect, there is a proposed law in California that could outlaw spanking children under the age of four.
According to an article on msnbc.com by Victoria Clayton, if this bill becomes a law, parents can be charged a fine of up to $1,000 or a year in jail for such behavior as spanking. There are several other forms of discipline that parents can resort to when children are acting up. For example, time-outs usually work when enforced at an early age.
In reality, any form of punishment can be effective when disciplining a child just as long as there are clear boundaries set between the parent and child, and the child understands why he or she is being disciplined. It is often that parents use physical punishment when they have lost all patience. I believe that an occasional spanking, when a child really deserves it, may be appropriate. However, using spanking as a form of controlling a child is not necessary. Many parents fail to set boundaries with their children regarding rules, behavior, etc. This, in the long run, can eliminate having to bribe or hit children in order for them to simply behave.
Along with countless other measures society has taken to protect the health and well-being of children, these prove that new steps can be taken all the time. Both the smoking ban and the possible spanking ban will, ultimately, mediate parents' actions that may not be of the best judgment.
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