20/02/2022
TO CANE OR NOT TO CANE?
I recently stumbled on a newspaper article that is, in my view, misleading – in as much as it quoted some research findings that seemed to back its position that caning as a mode of punishment for children destroys them. Coincidentally or not coincidentally, a near-similar article appearing in another newspaper the same day came out strongly as if to buttress this position. I dare to express my doubts about the accuracy of the said research’s findings. In fact, caning in my view should be seen as a form of training rather than a mode of punishment.
Granted, caning as a mode of punishment can be very destructive to a child’s life if it is inconsistent, excessive and administered without love. When caning is inconsistent, that is, sometimes administered and sometimes not for the same mistake, the child obviously gets confused. Consequently, the punishment is ineffective: mistakes will continue and the child may be seen to be incorrigible. On the other hand, when caning is excessive and administered without love, the child will most likely begin to see himself as an enemy and feel rejected. Rejection will cause a child to either coil into himself or become outright rebellious, defiant, or even violent.
However, when the authority figure administering the caning ensures that the child understands why he is being punished; when the child knows that he cannot get away with any mistake; and when the child understands without a shadow of doubt that he is loved still; such a child will grow into a highly and admirably disciplined person, a true investment in his family and a true asset to the nation. As a matter of fact, a child who understands that the punishment is a consequence of his misbehaviour and so is correctional will most likely appreciate it as beneficial.
The sting of a cane is painful, but that is why it is highly deterrent for a child. It keeps him from bringing harm to himself and to others. Its results are more permanent than other modes of punishment such as, say, “the naughty corner” and others. The cane is in fact Mr. Helper and certainly not Mr. Destroyer. It is the most effective method of correction recommended by the Bible, the inerrant word of God. According to the Bible, the ‘rod of discipline’ drives folly far from a child; and ‘punish him with the rod and save his soul from death’.
Three things are paramount in administering caning: consistency, moderation, and love. Watch a child trained in this manner, and you will appreciate the importance of caning.
