argumentative essay topics

1. 1
SHOULD PARENTS BE SOFT ON THEIR CHILDREN?
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2. 2
SHOULD PARENTS BE SOFT ON THEIR CHILDREN?
Those parents are way too soft on that child, no wonder she can behave in search a
manner without even considering she is in a public place. These must be familiar statements that
we have heard from a section of the public criticizing how some parents are raising their
children. Indeed parenting styles have generally changed through the years. Most of the
American middle class, for instance, have resorted to trying to reason with children whenever
they make mistakes. This to others has been seen as being too soft on children, which begs the
question, what does being soft really mean? Is it a bad thing? At what point should one draw the
line between being soft and punitive? With a lot of speculation on effects of parenting styles,
such questions have raised lots of arguments. Despite all these arguments, parents should realize
that they owe their children the right to be raised properly and that does not entail being always
soft on children.
A research carried out by YouGov research, reported that a staggering 81% of
Americans think that parents are ‘too soft’ in raising their children.1 The agreement of parental
leniency however differed across people of different academic education. Only 62% of the post
graduate holders interviewed agreed that parents have been liniment on children compared to
those with only high school education who polled at 87%. Many Americans especially the
middle class who most of their times are usually spent at work away from their children have
resorted to parental leniency as a parenting style. They have questioned use of spanking and even
argued that strong disciplinary actions have hurt children emotionally and traumatized them.
1 ‘Americans agree parents are too soft on their children’ Katie Jagel, last modified Sep 20, 2013, accessed Dec 21,
2015. https://today.yougov.com/news/2013/09/20/americans-agree-parents-are-too-soft-on-their-kids/

3. 3
These parents believe that children should be raised with love and tenderness. Instead of
shouting at them or even spanking them whenever they mess they should be talked to and made
to understand that whatever they did was wrong. This soft parenting approach is found to instill
value in children something which is of greater importance to them than the mere fear instilled
by ‘tough love’ or strict parenting style. By being soft parents have managed to develop strong
friendship bonds with their children. Children have also found their parents to be approachable
and as such able to approach them with any problem. This softness or lenient parental style has
however been found to have be detrimental to children in the long run. These children have been
found to be ‘spoilt’ and lack proper self control. Many due to lack of consistent disciplinary
approach by their parents have made them find it difficult to learn acceptable social behaviors
something which have generally led to development of bad behaviors and lack of respect.
‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’ is a famous biblical quote which literally means that if
parents fail to guide their children, always refraining from punishing them, they will eventually
ruin them. Indeed the success of any child is embedded on the qualities developed during their
formative years in life. Discipline at home is very important and being soft on children does not
instill discipline. Children should grow up knowing that there are consequences for their actions.
This is what will enable them respect the boundaries set by the society, how to respect people
and also understand that even though they have been disciplined by their parents that does not
necessarily mean that their parents don’t love them. By teaching children understand boundaries
correcting them consistently with patience and love will enable children develop self discipline
and self control a reliable quality that will help them grow to be independent and responsible
citizens.

4. 4
Raising children in a disciplined way does not necessarily mean that parents should
always lash out at children. It means that parents should be consistent in their approach of how to
discipline their children. Parents should clearly explain clearly what they expect from their
children and make them understand to always be responsible for their actions. With
responsibility comes the bigger power of control. Such children can control their situations, they
can respond accordingly to the changes in their environment. This quality can go along way
helping them in the growth of their careers, development of strong relationship and general
success in life.
Parents especially the American middle class, who tend to spend much of their time away
from children, should also strive to ensure that they have a close relationship with their children.
As such they can know their children’s characters and know how to handle them whenever they
misbehave. They should also not be afraid to reprimand their children for fear of being hated or
viewed as the ‘bad guy.’ They should learn how to follow up their children, tracking their
development, and being consistent in their teachings on how to behave. They should learn how
to discipline their by combining firmness and love.
In conclusion, I have come to realize that parenting is not an easy task just as children are
also different in their behaviors and personality and can thrive in either of the parental styles. As
such I can rightfully say that there is no a permanent blue print on how to raise children.
Different children will require different approach to instill discipline in them. Regardless of the
approach and parental style employed by the parents, either of leniency or that of disciplinary,
the most important thing should be the cultivation of discipline, self control and other positive
values in children. This are the right ammunitions a parent can arm with their children to ensure
their success in life.

5. 5
Bibliography
Katie Jagel, ‘Americans agree parents are too soft on their children’, last modified Sep 20, 2013,
accessed Dec 21, 2015. https://today.yougov.com/news/2013/09/20/americans-agree-
parents-are-too-soft-on-their-kids/