One student was crying before his teacher, uttering these words: “Please don’t tell my parents what happened today. My dad’s going to punish me with his belt. I’d rather die than let them know about it. I don’t want to be grounded.”
While it’s normal for a child to fear being grounded, what’s alarming is that he would rather die than let his parents know. This suggests the child may have been constantly exposed to beatings, and even the slightest possibility of another one terrifies him.
We were three brothers who grew up alongside each other. Every time we made mistakes, our father would beat us with his leather belt. If anyone has seen belts from the ’80s, they were wider and much thicker than today’s. When that belt hit your buttocks, you’d surely remember not to repeat the same mistake again.
As time went on, I became clever and would place a piece of cardboard on my butt before our father called us. Lucky for me, he never found out. But I felt sorry for my brothers, John and Dominic, who didn’t copy my technique.
I don’t necessarily agree with beating as a form of punishment, and I can barely recall any instance where I physically hit Osmund. I wasn’t always with them, as I worked abroad during his high school years. When I came home, our time together was limited since I was busy with work and traveling. I’m thankful to God that he grew up to be a fine young man and now has his own family. I’m just waiting to see how he will guide his children when the time comes.
The other student, supposedly the victim, remained quiet. She didn’t utter a word and calmly looked at her offender, now crying like a little puppy. When asked if she would forgive her classmate, she said: “I have no reason not to forgive him. I pity him because he is now afraid to face the consequences of his actions. I forgive him.”
She then consoled him, saying: “Don’t be afraid if your dad will beat you. I, too, am punished with a belt and hanger every time I make mistakes. But I don’t cry because I know it’s my fault. That way, I remember not to do it again.”
In life, many share similar challenges, but it is our perspective that shapes our destiny—turning situations into blessings or curses. How we respond mentally and emotionally determines the outcomes we experience.
One person’s fear of punishment may cause anxiety, while another’s calm acceptance can foster resilience and a more positive outlook on life. I can’t recall all my childhood beatings, but I vividly remember my father banging my head on the billiard table for skipping school. Luckily, I blocked it in time to avoid injury.
With child protection laws in place, I wonder: do they truly build resilience, or do they create fragile individuals who lack the strength to face life’s challenges—whether favorable or not?
Only by nurturing the right outlook and perspective in our children can we ensure a brighter future and restore greatness to our nation. ||
