Spare the rod and spoil the child?

Recently, DC got his dad to buy two canes, one to put at home, the other one at his parent's place.

We argued about the use of cane on our son a lot of times as we take a different stand on this.

I was all against the use of canes on young children! My parents had never used a cane on me and my siblings and we grew up very well, loving, united and well-mannered! While it was true that DC grew up well and upright in an environment where cane was often used as a disciplinary tool, I find some inherent defiance in him that was probably brought about by the canings.

Why would you want to use a cane on a boy who is still so small? At this age, it is acceptable that they roam around the place, exploring and throwing things around. I mean, that's how they stimulate their minds and gain knowledge of things, isn't it? I don't see why cane should be used to stop them from doing the things they want to and to make them do things you want them to do. Of course, at times, they could be naughty and throw tantrums. I rather discipline with love than opt for a harsh punishment! Well, that's me. DC sees it in an entirely different way!

So far, DC had used the cane on A a few times and A already knew the "Power" of it! He'll squirm away very quickly and take shelter if he sees one coming his way. While DC usually gets his way after he used the cane, I feared the effect it may have on A. It seems that the use of it as a threat cue was getting more and more frequent! Will he become fearless and defiant like DC or will he become cowardly, timid and lack of self-confidence over time? That remains to be seen... but now, I really miss my cheerful boy's wide smiles. I'm seeing lesser and lesser of it! :(


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A is 33 months old