Are parents getting over conventional ideas of punishment?

A number of instructors and parents think that punishment is the way to push people to reach their highest potential.

Countless stories have been narrated on coaches and teachers utilising what some would consider punitive style of coaching.
Take the recent film Whiplash for example that featured a harsh music teacher who's often seen yelling out abusive remarks to get students perform to the best of their abilities.
Several high-profile coaches or teachers seemed to get results, which triggered questions for years.  Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight comes to mind after his controversial dismissal in 2000 in response to allegations of abusive behaviour.
A number of instructors and parents think that punishment is the way to push people to reach their highest potential. Among them was Menna Wael's father.
Mothering two children aged 3 and 5, Wael said she learned from her father's mistake. "When I was pursuing my Master's degree, my father always pointed out my weaknesses no matter how well I did in my examinations. He had always thought this will push me to do better," said Wael.
On the contrary, her father's treatment made her shift majors two years down the line. Shedding constant light to negatives, she said, made her think she will never succeed.
Wael noted that she follows a different style with her daughters. "I focus more on their positive behaviour because the child is weak and needs to be taught confidence. If they insisted on negative behaviour, I take their desired objects away until they learn their mistakes," she said.
Abeer Ismail, mother of two girls and a boy, said it is important to pinpoint mistakes when they happen while focusing on the positive behaviour. She noted that withdrawing privileges - like a hangout or a game - without violence can lead to behavioral change.
"Children are like clay, we should raise them confident. The way to do this is by highlighting their strengths and reinforcing it."
- sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai