Punishing kids

the Asian way still needs to be thought through...some examples:

• Parent: If you don't eat your vegetables, I'll call the police
• Parent: If you don't take your medicine, I'll call the doctor/nurse to punish you
• Parent: If you insist on your way, I'll leave you here and go back on my own

Somehow, police/doctor/nurses all become really scary to small kids.

What is the main aim of punishment? To correct the kids, enforce discipline, train them in God's ways, isn't it?

Why is it that only Asians call on another authoritarian profession to help them in times of need? When they can't cope with the kid's behaviour? Taking medicine to make one better and the kid not liking the taste of the medicine seems to not be mentioned. And linking doctors/nurses as horrible people who make you take the horrible medicine is quite a put off.

Do Westerners do that too? I wonder.

And why is it all threats? Wouldn't that create insecurity in a child? I wonder.

Why not deprive a child of his/her favourite thing, and only when they behave, do we then reward them? And lavish all praise and hugs when they do behave and especially if they behave without being asked to, wouldn't that be a better enforcement? Alot to observe in a child.

Conclusion: Alot of trial and error bringing up kids, as we struggle with our own sin. Seeing also in ourselves what we pick up from our own parents or others around us, and seeing the struggles within ourselves as we try to nurture a small life amidst the chaos.