Paddling in schools
Hey, Coach! I read where a school in Texas has recently brought back paddling, and it was at the request of parents. While the paddle hasn’t been used very much, just the threat of having it available has apparently helped to tone down some of the outrageous behavior exhibited in that school system. In an era where some students are very mouthy, skip and disrupt class without giving it a second thought, and also wear risque clothes with little or no repercussions, why not bring back the paddle?
While paddling children and students may not be a great thing to do, it certainly worked back when I was growing up.
I was afraid of the paddle.
It would probably be better than whatever forms of discipline are being implemented today which don’t seem to be doing any good. Would that not be true?
Signed+.Paddles
Dear Paddles: The Coach doesn’t like paddling because violence is something that we need to drastically reduce in this country, if we can refer to paddling as violence.
Having said that, your point is well taken — but there just has to be a better way.
Putting young children in time-out is fine up to a certain point. Then, taking away “freedoms” starts to hurt more as kids get older. Maybe putting students in boot camp may even accomplish more than paddling. Respectfully, perhaps parents in that community want paddling because they are having such a difficult time gaining respect at home.
Certainly, the Coach is not trying to tell anyone how to parent, but the feeling here is that most would agree that discipline, respect and accountability need to start at home when children are very young.
The longer kids go forward doing things their way, the more difficult it is to reel them in as they get older and get minds of their own. Parenting is not easy, and it will probably get even harder with each passing decade. Most kids and students are indeed respectful.
But for those who are not, it’s time to step up and start doing things right before any type of bad karma catches up to you, and you get yourself in a lot of hot water, to possibly include trouble with the law. It’s simply not worth it.
Having a bad day
When you think you’re having a bad day, think about a poor kid in Kabul, Afghanistan, who had his hand chopped off in front of 3000 people for stealing a carpet and a sewing machine. Also, in the same city and on the same day, a young woman received 100 lashes because she was found traveling with a man that was not a relative. Again, that sounds bizarre to us in this country.
What’s the Coach’s point, you say? When you think you’re having a bad day, just think about those two people and the day they had recently.
All of a sudden, our days aren’t so bad. Concentrate on, and be thankful for, all of the many things (and freedoms) that we have.
Caffeine
Hey, Coach! How much is too much coffee and caffeine?
Signed+Coffee Cup
Dear Coffee Cup: From what the Coach understands, having a cup of coffee each day won’t raise many eyebrows. But like many things in life, it depends on the person.
What may be okay for one may not be for another.
Certainly, pregnant women and children should stay away from caffeine because there may be possible long-term effects.
And don’t forget that caffeine is not found just in coffee. It is also found in tea, energy drinks, some sodas and even chocolate.
Like many other things in life, it is okay for most in moderation.
For a more thorough answer, please check with your primary health-care team.
Coach’s Comment: We all need to face our deficiencies. If we cannot accept them, we at least need to learn how to deal with them so that we can continue to move forward.
Be safe, and thanks for making the Coach a part of your day.
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You can contact the Coach at askthecoach2003@yahoo.com.