The Harsh Reality of Upbringing: Personal Insights into Strict Discipline

Discipline is a hotly debated topic in the parenting world, with varying opinions and methods practiced by parents across different cultures and generations. In this personal account, I share my experiences growing up with strict discipline, including instances involving corporal punishment. This article not only delves into the history of my household’s parenting practices but also reflects on the long-term impact of such methods.

Setting the Stage: A Progressive Household

My upbringing was definitely not a walk in the park. My parents were striving for a modern, progressive household where strict rules were in place but physical punishment was off the table. My older brother and sister were never spanked; instead, my parents chose to be cool and progressive.

The Impact of My Oldest Brother's Tragedy

Tragedy struck when my oldest brother, at 19 years old, died in a car accident. He had a clear understanding that parties hosted by his friend were dangerous, and he was warned repeatedly to never drive drunk or under the influence. His death was a wake-up call for my parents. They shifted their approach and started to introduce stricter discipline measures, including corporal punishment, into our household.

The Worst Spankings: A Personal Account

Out of the spankings I endured, two incidents particularly stand out. The first occurred during my sixth-grade year, when a bout of excessive cursing became a major issue among my friends. In a quest to emulate my friends, I dropped a profane word on my trampoline. My father, who was outside at the time to reprimand my friend, heard my outburst. This resulted in a severe spanking with a paddle, a punishment that went beyond my mother's initial response to my outburst. The pain was excruciating, and it lingers in my nightmares.

A Lesson in Road Safety

The second instance involved a near-death experience. We had just moved to a new home with a busy road. As a child from the countryside, I was accustomed to roaming freely. However, I made a grave mistake by walking onto the road to retrieve a ball without permission. Thankfully, my older sister, who was babysitting me, was able to rescue me. A car could have easily struck me, and the incident led to a severe spanking with a wooden spoon and a rubber spatula from my parents. Their actions were a stark reminder of the dangers of playing on the road.

Reflection and Conclusion

Despite the pain and fear associated with these spankings, the long-term benefits are undeniable. The lessons I learned from these experiences stayed with me, and I have remained vigilant about following rules and understanding the risks of my actions. While parenting methods are subjective, the accountability and respect instilled through strict discipline have undoubtedly influenced my life positively.