HineSight – June 2010

I first heard it many years ago, as my grandfather tanned my behind with a razor strap; and frequently, over the years, I have again heard the statement “Spare the rod and spoil the child .” Today that statement still rings true, and it is no less important in the development of an understanding between right and wrong in the minds of today’s children, than it was in the minds of children in our grandparents day.

Unfortunately, a couple of things have evolved that has thrown this valuable “educational tool” out the window, and we can’t blame the children for the problem it has created.

Who can we blame? Well, we can blame parents who have morphed into a society of bleeding hearts, as well as the growth of a socialist, politically correct, weak kneed political system. Too many parents today have adopted the new “time” out method of discipline that “spares the rod and spoils the child.”

I am sure that by now many of you are speculating that I am suggesting that parents beat their children every time they perform an act of defiance or mischief – that is not what I am advocating. However I can tell you that a tap on the bare bottom or a few strokes of the razor strap will impress right from wrong more quickly in a child’s mind, than a half hour time out followed by a shower of hugs and kisses because mommy feels guilty.

Time out is then followed by a progression of failures to instill an understanding that parents are an influential component of growing up; eventually they lose control, and respect for right and wrong goes out the window.When this happens, kids lose respect, parents lose control, and the charade of political correctness takes over.

In a politically correct society such as ours, parents no longer have the right to challenge children when they have practised acts of defiance – and children darned well know it. Today, all around us children are committing crimes against individuals, properties, and communities, and parents no longer know where or what “little Johnnie” is doing. When ‘little Johnnie” is subsequently accused or charged, parents then almost always declare him innocent, and exhaust all means to supply a defence, both publicly and in court. They have “spared the rod and spoiled the child ” and nine times out of ten someone has been a victim of a criminal act that could have been avoided with proper parenting.

I get incensed every time I hear some child psychologist, social worker, politician, or anyone for that matter, who suggests that poor parenting is a defence for the commission of irresponsible acts against society. I do not for one minute believe the suggestion that eleven and twelve year old children do not know right from wrong, is valid – not if good parenting has been practised in the up bringing of a child.

Why am I angry? Because I am sick and tired of acts of vandalism that are occurring daily in our neighbourhoods. Garbage bins upset and dragged down the road, tires slashed, windows broken from cars and trailers along our streets, and most recently -  five foot slashes in the side of the Rocky Lake Dome -  all because we would not allow the drug culture to use our property as a smoke zone.

I hope the parents of these children are happy with the success they have had in raising these inconsiderate, unappreciative brats, and I hope those who have endorsed our politically correct society are pleased that we are slowly losing control. I am not asking for extreme measures – I am only asking for parents to begin parenting at an early age, with a little good old-fashioned application of the rod .

Gary Hines is a long serving member to the District 2 community. The views expressed here are his own.