Dear H & A,

Recent news brought to light an incident involving a kindergarten teacher from Kinderland who was caught on video mistreating children. These acts were not just a breach of trust but a blatant act of cruelty.

Growing up, many from my generation were familiar with the rod and the cane. Discipline was handed down firmly, sometimes through physical means. Obedience was a lesson imparted, often through stern methods. But at the end of the day, these punishments that were handed out came from a parent’s love. Now, the times have shifted, and many parents find themselves juggling between work and parenting, resulting in children as young as 3 months being placed under the care of childcare providers. This, in most cases, is not a choice but a necessary arrangement to keep the household running in today’s dual-income society.

However, here’s where we need to ask some crucial questions. By placing our trust in educators, are we giving them the liberty to discipline our children? To a certain extent, I’d say yes. After all, discipline is essential for growth and understanding boundaries. But when does this discipline cross the line and become abuse? Where should we, as parents, draw that delicate boundary?

No child should ever experience mistreatment in any form, especially not from those entrusted to care for and educate them. Discipline should always come from a place of love and understanding, not anger or frustration. And while it’s essential to instill values and teach boundaries, it’s equally crucial to ensure the methods used are appropriate, kind, and respectful.

To every parent, educator, or caregiver reading this: Let’s remember to protect, respect, and nurture the young minds under our care. Let’s work together to ensure every child grows up in an environment of love, understanding, and positive discipline.

With love,

Dad