Persuasive Essay On Positive Discipline

Positive Discipline is a concept that can be extremely misinterpreted and when it is misused it can cause more harm than good. A common form of discipline for children is punishment and it is widely used because it is the believed to be very effective. “However, discipline comes from the Latin word discipulus or disciplini, which means a follower of truth, principle, or a venerated leader” (Nelson, pg. 15). Punishment in itself is not a positive method nor is it a positive form of leadership to follow or exert. (Quote) By eliminating punishment, using the kind but firm technique, and having mutual respect, child abuse can be significantly reduced or even prevented. Positive Discipline is a process in which each method is simultaneously working

For instance, parents need to feel in control and see their form of discipline is taking effect that exact moment. However, if adults focus on results rather than addressing the issue, they are ultimately setting their children up for failure. “Punishment usually stops misbehavior immediately, however, the long-term results are negative because we are often fooled by immediate results” (Nelson, 13). Furthermore, this could be the reason why punishment is so popular amongst parents because it’s almost immediate response to misbehavior and the authoritative power it holds. According to Nelson, punishment is used by adults because it’s easier, they know how to punish, or do not know what else to do. (22). As a society, people usually take the easiest alternative to accomplish a task but it may not always be the better, smarter, or more efficient alternative. Furthermore, when people do not know what to do, they stick to what they do know. However, parents need to think of the long-term consequences and take the time, effort and skills to use effective discipline. (22). In conclusion, by eliminating punishment, using the kind and firm technique and by having a relationship based on mutual respect, parents can properly discipline their children without being abusive. Although, positive discipline may not provide immediate results, it will actively stop misbehavior instead of redirecting

The main contributing factor to Dave’s abuse, was his mother’s use of alcohol which led to various types of abuse. According to Lecture 8, Drugs and Alcohol are a form of emotional neglect and impacts the ability of the caretaker to supervise her children. “Mothers eyes were glazed and red and her breath smelled of booze. I closed my eyes as the oncoming blows began to rock me from side to side.” (Pelzer, 34). Dave was rejected as a member of the family, was terrorized through physical injury, and was confined in the basement of the house. These are considered forms of emotional neglect but Dave suffered more than just emotional abuse but physical abuse as well. She would make Dave breath harm chemicals when cleaning the bathroom, make him sit outside in the cold in wet clothes, refused to feed him, and would beat him with a variety of