by Jennifer Ruiz

Created on: June 05, 2008

The difference between abuse and discipline is simple. When you discipline a child it is out of love and pure concern. In my opinion to discipline a child is to raise it. Think about almost every thing you do is about discipline. Life is full of responsibility and how you handle these responsibilities is based on discipline. If we do not teach our children to be disciplined they will fail at their responsibilities and possibly their lives and goals. What parent would want that for their children. When you are raising your child it all about discipline. You have to stay consistent to your expectations and limits and stand firm on the morals you intend on instilling in your children. A very difficult task that take some self control and that right .....discipline. My children know a few things for sure. Those things are 1. Mommy will love me and protect me with every fiber in her body no matter what. 2. Mommy means what she says and says what she means. No means no, later means later. She is the head honcho. PERIOD! 3. I better give it all I have in school because Mommy doesn't compromise at all when it comes to education. 4. I can tell her anything in confidence. She will always be there with open ears and open arms. 5. When I try my best I get rewarded and when I step out of line there will be consequences. 6. Mommy loves to give rewardes and hates to give punishments. But she will if she has to and won't back down. No probation All time must be served. 7. When ALL ELSE FAILS Mommy does not believe in beating children...but she will spank me good. The fact that my children know these things and live by these things I am satisfied and convinced that they are well on their way to having a disciplined sense of responsibility and will appreciate me when they are older and more successful for the even balance of love and discipline. Abuse is something of another kind. To tear someone down and demean them is a horrible thought to bear. So many children go through life without proper values instilled. In some cases we have neglect where the child's needs are not being met emotionally, mentally, or physically. Neglect is a serious form of abuse. To use cruel and unusual punishment. Sexual abuse. All these things are abuse. They are real and they are happening every day every where. It makes me sad to think of so many spirits that are broken and how many precious innocent lives that are lost because of abuse. My heart never gets immune to it and I promise to always report any suspicion of child abuse. Abuse doesn't even have to be so severe to be abuse. To fail to make a child feel loved and wanted is abuse and to make a child feel like a useless burden, or somehow stripping that child of their youth is abuse. Is it abuse to let your children run the show and have there way. Letting them go throughout their childhood with no sense of boundaries or respect? HELL YES. Your are setting them up for a life of absolute failure and ignorance. If that aint abuse I don't know what is! To break bad habits and instill compasion and respect is discipline, to break young spirits and instill sorrow and fear is abuse. Please these are the crystal clear differences between the two. My fellow writers please do not look the other way if you suspect any form of abuse and fight child abuse by starting in your home.

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