WATERCOOLER: Parents need to discipline kids, not teachers

I WAS rereading some back issues of the Chronicle and came across a piece by Peter Chapman, our former editor.

LETTER: Discipline needs to start at home. Picture: Comstock

I WAS rereading some back issues of the Chronicle and came across a piece by Peter Chapman, our former editor.

In it he urges that schools be allowed to discipline children more rigorously.

As an ex teacher and current grandparent, the problem is not with the schools, but with parents.
 

It is no coincidence that children from family one are not being kept in for detention, suspended or disciplined in other ways, while children in family two are.

Despite the oft repeated call that "they don't let us hit our kids anymore", there are no laws or rules which say children can't be disciplined at home.
 

Does discipline need to start at home?

Have your say and join the discussion below. 
 

If parents took the time and effort to relate to their children - not on Facebook or text - and set rules in place which have consequences if broken, schools would not have the task of trying to not only educate students, but give them some idea of acceptable behaviour.

Sadly, I hear teachers talking of regular situations where parents not only don't discipline their children, but abuse school staff when they try to impose some sort of order.

This is a parallel to the abusing of medical staff when they're trying to administer health care and something is going to give if the situation is not addressed by everyone in our nation.

It is a daunting and complex job to raise children, and training and practice in parenting skills can only benefit our whole society - schools included.

Originally published as WATERCOOLER: Parents need to discipline kids, not teachers