Introduction
In a variety of existing controversies and approaches, no one can deny the fact that family plays an important role in a child’s development. Adults take responsibility for their children in many ways, including their behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes. Among general parenting strategies, punishment, and discipline are commonly used (Kavan et al., 2018). However, punishment can result in negative consequences, while discipline should be properly introduced. Many factors determine the child’s behavior, and parents need to recognize threats and address benefits. In this presentation, attention will be paid to the differences between discipline and punishment to help adults navigate parenting.
Background
Parents contribute to the child’s growth and development from the first days of their lives. It is not enough to say that something is right and something is wrong. Children need clear explanations and examples to understand what behaviors are expected and what steps should be avoided. Discipline is a strategy to teach children through rules, management, and guidance (Kavan et al., 2018). Punishment is not about teaching but intimidation through physical or emotional elements. Although punishment improves short-term compliance, it hardly leads to positive, long-lasting behavioral changes (as cited in Hornor et al., 2019). Still, applying discipline cannot bring positive outcomes all the time, and punishment becomes the only appropriate method of education.
Problem Statement
The worth of this presentation is the intention to understand what contributes to positive parenting and the promotion of good behaviors in children. The chosen problem statement shows that there are three major aspects to be navigated: “discipline and punishment,” “appropriate parenting strategies,” and “good behaviors.” The task of parents is to examine the environment, address available resources, and teach children how to behave, react, and cooperate in this world. Good behavior of the child is probably one of the most cherished expectations of parents. Adults continue searching for appropriate strategies to manage and control their children. Some parents believe that discipline and punishment are integral parts of the child’s development. They may be right if they understand how to enhance discipline and not overdo it with punishment.
Topic Importance
The importance of the chosen topic of helping adults to navigate the issues of punishment and discipline is closely related to the positive and negative outcomes and the necessity not to make mistakes. On the one hand, these strategies are critical in achieving understanding between parents and children. Besides, parents learn how to cooperate and offer their children the best examples and motivational sources. Finally, critical thinking skills are highly developed in all participants. On the other hand, punishment provokes unsafe environments, and discipline issues contribute to poor knowledge. Mental disorders (anxiety, depression, and stress), emotional problems (fear and panic), and physical challenges (abuse and traumas) can be observed (Hornor et al., 2019). Parents need to know how to avoid unpleasant consequences in their disciplining decisions.
Issue Assessment
One of the purposes of this presentation is to assess the offered issues and clarify how parents can be navigated in managing their children’s behaviors. Many factors are associated with applying punishment and discipline in parenting, and the analysis of outcomes is vital. For example, assessing positive behaviors should show how parents succeed or fail in their responsibilities. Another way to observe the connection is to focus on cooperation between parents and children. If there are no mental health disorders and deviations in the child’s behaviors, parents do everything right. Finally, when adults understand the differences between discipline and punishment and know what steps to take, the worth of professional help can be revealed.
Approaches to Address the Issue
Several approaches may be used to address the issues and not allow punishment and discipline issues to destroy families or negatively affect children. One of the best examples includes guidance from physicians to identify and solve problematic interactions (Kavan et al., 2018). Professional doctors observe children and conclude the possible reasons for their behaviors and appropriate help. They cooperate with parents and share their recommendations about how to contact and support their children. Other options for parents are to visit group sessions and work with adults with similar concerns and needs. Sometimes, pediatric nurse practitioners help parents replace punishment and use positive strategies (Hornor et al., 2019). Education and theories are also important approaches to addressing the issues and establishing a safe family environment.
Theory
There are many theories to practically apply in social work and address behavioral changes in humans. In this presentation, systems theory is chosen for consideration to analyze family relationships, learn about client problems, and create necessary interventions. According to this theory, interpersonal relationships are behaviors that may be affected by such factors as family, friends, and society. People exchange their experiences and cannot neglect external impacts. In the middle of the 20th century, Bowen introduced the family systems theory and explained the family as a complex system where all members perform their roles. The context is vital within the frames of this theory because it helps clarify the conditions under which decisions are made and steps are taken.
Social Work Issues
When a social worker or another expert works with families to navigate the issues of punishment and discipline, it is important to remember several social work values. In this case, attention is paid to integrity, competence, the worth of human relationships, justice, and dignity. First, integrity must be established so all participants may develop trustful relationships and share their problems. Second, competence is vital not to touch inconvenient or unnecessary aspects. Third, the worth of human relationships is identified to demonstrate that family units should be strengthened and appreciated. Finally, justice and dignity encourage parents and children to cooperate regardless of their social statuses and backgrounds.
Existing Principles and Policies
At this moment, many developed and developing countries use the law as an effective way to express behaviors. Most countries have already prohibited physical punishment of children to avoid unnecessary traumas and emotional breakdowns (Hornor et al., 2019). However, some caregivers admit the accessibility of corporal punishment as a part of an educative process to control children. At the same time, recent social work and caregiving policies underline the worth of avoiding verbal abuse as part of discipline approaches (Hornor et al., 2019). In addition to the government and social workers, pediatric healthcare providers continue explaining to parents the disadvantages of punishment and the importance of building safe environments.
Practical Dilemmas
Despite many discussions and investigations on punishment and discipline in parenting, adults continue facing multiple practical dilemmas. Although they think physical punishment or disciplinary rules are temporary and cause no harm, their inevitability scares children. Even if adults explain punishment as an emotional response, they cannot ignore that some rational aspects are present. Besides, together with supervision and guidance, adults are at threat of demotivating children with punishment. Sometimes, parents demonstrate indignation about harsh disciplinary methods, but they believe such steps are obligatory in the child’s development and avoidance of negative behaviors. Finally, the major ethical and practical dilemma of navigating the issues of punishment and discipline is that most of them are undesirable but, nevertheless, allowable and legally approved.
Conclusion
In general, this presentation is a unique chance for students to understand the major aspects of parenting and learn how punishment and discipline challenge most individuals. On the one hand, the offered issues are present in the child’s development as a part of general parenting strategies. On the other hand, despite being properly aware and prepared, adults expect some help and navigation not to spoil their relationships with children because of punishment and discipline. Applying systems theory allows for identifying the worth of interpersonal relationships and family dependence. In addition, social work values and ethics enhance understanding of practical dilemmas. The relationships between children and parents may be developed in various ways, but punishment and discipline should improve, never disrupt, their connection.
References
Hornor, G., Quinones, S. G., Boudreaux, D., Bretl, D., Chapman, E., Donnel, C., Kahn, D., Morris, K. A., Perks, D. H., & VanGraafeiland, B. (2019). Building a safe and healthy America: Eliminating corporal punishment via positive parenting. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 34(2), 136-144. Web.
Kavan, M. G., Saxena, S. K., & Rafiq, N. (2018). General parenting strategies: Practical suggestions for common child behavior issues. American Family Physician, 97(10), 642-648.