Discipline(紀律)

　　Discipline(紀律)

　　Some people say that the best way to raise children is to them to be independent thinkers. Other people disagree and say that children need to be taught discipline in order to let them successful. In other word, children should either be granted(假定) freedom, or be given more discipline. I tend to agree with a policy of firm(穩(wěn)固的) discipline.

　　The people whose view places emphasis(重點) on encouraging children to think freely hope the child will be able to understand and govern(管理) the world. The child is considered as an “equal” to the adult. This view has been popular in the western countries, where corporal(身體的) punishment of children is now illegal. The concept(觀念) of “rights” for children is part of a wider political(政治上的) movement that also asserts(聲稱) right for women, animals and environment.

　　The pro-discipline view is based on the commonsensical(常識) observation(觀察) that, if left unchecked(沒有管束的),children behave stupidly and even run amok(殺人狂地, 狂亂的). Disciplinarians(嚴格的人) believe that physical(肉體的) constrains(強迫) and punishments imposed(強加于) by adult teach the child that his selfishness, laziness and running wild will lead him to a bad life. The child then gains wisdom(明智) through lessons. Constraints(約束) and punishments range from a simple withdrawing(離開) of  a “ privilege(特權(quán))” such as pocket money, limited time for watching TV, to a remark(談論) of “beating”. Yet the discipline does not have to be harsh(粗糙的). Sanctions(打破國際制裁的個人) are only applied(實用的) if the child behaves stupidly.

　　Discipline has many areas of practical(實踐的), one of the most important of which is education. The Chinese proverb says, “ the strict teacher can cultivate(培養(yǎng)) an outstanding(杰出的) student.” Some adults have observed(注意到) that strict schools often achieve good academic(大學生, 大學的) accomplishment(成就). Likewise(同樣地), people reckon(計算) that disciplined children are likely to become productive persons.

　　It is obvious to me that an uncontrolled child who does dangerous matters can cause injury(損害) to himself and to others. And many violent teenagers appear to behave no fear of punishment for illegal action. So parents should not give children a free hand, especially when they can’t tell right from wrong. Adults have a serious duty of supervising(監(jiān)督) the young.

　　Discipline is justified because adults are generally wiser than children. Discipline in childhood fosters(養(yǎng)育) the child for the hardship of his future life.