Article 1
3 main points that the writer of the article is making:
1. It is unacceptable to settle interpersonal differences through violence against each other.
2. If an indiscipline child is let off the hook through letting him use violence against his peers, he would become predisposed to using violence in future so as to have his way.
3. To the writer, there is no difference between disciplining a deviant child through hitting him, and using violence.
Feelings and opinions of the article
Children should be taught how to behave themselves well and to be obedient, respectful and peaceful. This way, they grow to become responsible and calm. Dealing with a person who has wronged you is a key life skill that displays your character. One does not need to use violence so as to have an edge over others. Differences can be amicably solved. In the case of a big kid who beats up his friends on the playground, it is either that the kid has not learnt how to live with other kids, or it is a failure on the parents’ side. But then, two wrongs do not make a right. A parent hitting a disrespectful child does not bring out quite a good spectacle. A child may be cautioned by the parent in a peaceful way. If he is beaten, he would understand that settling issues is done through physical means, hence take up violence.
C. James Kimmel’s point of view is that violence ought not to be tolerated at any level, even if it is to be used either in disciplining a disrespectful and disobedient child, muggings, or slugging a fellow worker who has insulted you.
Here, Kimmel has a weighty point in his argument which is agreeable with. First, violence depicts human beings as having an animal’s characteristics: resulting to physical aggression to have your interest fulfilled. Animals do not think as human beings do. Using violence to put our emotions across likens our characters to that of animals.
Secondly, disciplining children through hitting them subjects them to pain. Children may commit wrongs, but the pain they are subjected to in trying to correct their behavior can not only cause them physical harm, but emotional and psychological turmoil. Thirdly, a child may be hit by a parent, and may end up hating the parent. He/she would not understand why someone who loves him/her would use violence for correction. Lastly, hitting a child may expose him/her to physical aggression as a means of settling chores with others. Any altercation between him and his friends makes him result to using physical means to have his way.
My views have not been altered. This is because use of force against another is not worth it. There are amicable means of solving issues, which are far much better and ethical than using violence.
Article 2
3 main points that the writer of the article is making:
1. Play is an integral part of a child’s life as it contributes to a child’s growth in important ways, from cognitive, physical, and social to emotional well-being.
2. Playtime for some children has been remarkably reduced due to change in lifestyle, family structure and attention being overwhelmingly shifted to other activities such as academics.
3. A child’s playtime has to be protected for the sake of his/her development.
Feelings and opinions of the article
Part of a child’s growth and development is boosted through play: cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children. With these benefits, play should not be compromised. With the acknowledgement that new lifestyles have cropped up, and academics being given much attention, children’s playtime should be protected as it helps them to develop, and mingle with others.
The author’s point of view is that playing is very important to a child due to the numerous benefits it has. Playtime should be given priority, despite the fact that various lifestyles are rapidly changing in the effort of bettering families’ statuses. This is quite agreeable.
First, the well-being of a child depends largely on play. Play makes a child healthy, as it makes him/her physically fit. Secondly, play is a tension and stress releaser because during play, various hormones are released which set the body at ease. Thirdly, a child also learns how to interact and share with his/her friends through playing with them. Lastly, play makes a child disciplined. He/she learns how to adhere to various rules of a certain game that they are playing. Consequently, he/she learns how to observe other rules in other areas such as school, and other places.
My view on a child’s playtime has not been changed. The benefits of play are well-known to be far important, playtime should still be protected.
Article 3
3 main points that the writer of the article is making:
1. Naturally, human beings have been endowed with the ability to give and receive in a compassionate manner.
2. Whereas some human beings stay connected to the nature of compassionately giving and receiving, some violate this and turn exploitative.
3. Giving and receiving compassionately should be part of us, with no compromise.
Feelings and opinions of the article
If we all accept and concur that giving and receiving is a good virtue, then we need to uphold that which is good and pleasant. We need to tend towards that which is good, for both our sakes and that of others. Taking advantage of this virtue is not worth it; hence we ought to shun this exploitative and violent nature and embrace the goodness in being compassionate in giving and receiving.
The author of this story has a belief that human beings have the capacity to be natural givers and receivers. His point of being quizzical of the reasons as to why people turn to become exploitative and violent. He does not see the reason why people behave in such a way. It is quite true. First, there is no reason as to why people behave contrary to the natural expectation of being good and compassionate in giving and receiving. Secondly, this virtue is holy; it is loveable especially when exercised to new people. It gives them a sense of warmth and a feeling of being welcomed. Thirdly, it intends no harm, and lastly, it is very attractive.
My opinion on this issue has not been changed, since doing good is encouraged at all times.
Article 4
3 main points that the writer of the article is making:
1. The phrase “good job” being misused anywhere.
2. Sometimes the word good may not fit in certain contexts.
3. There is thoughtlessness in the use of the phrase “good job”.
Feelings and opinions of the article
Use the phrase good job in limited but deserving circumstances.
The author thinks that the phrase “good job” has been used in so many situations, some of which are unnecessary. This is agreeable. First, making this phrase a verbal tic demeans its value. Secondly, it should also be used only when someone has achieved something major. The third reason is that parents and teachers should use it when they really mean it, as some of its uses have become cliché. Lastly, it is also not fair to use it out of thoughtlessness of the task involved, for example, joining hands.
My view has not changed. Credit should only be given where it is really due.
Article 5
3 main points that the writer of the article is making:
1. It is good for parents to be concerned about their children.
2. Hyper-concern has negative effects in children- they become more fragile.
3. Too much concern leads to breakdowns in children.
Feelings and opinions of the articles
Parents should accord just enough concern for their children. Too much concern will diminish the children’s breathing space which they need to attend to their own personal issues. At times a child ought to be let free so that he/she can learn to deal with his/her personal things.
The author is of the opinion that too much parental concern is dangerous. This is true as first; it leads to overdependence by the child on the parent. It also makes the child more prone to emotional breakdown in case of not being “attended to promptly”. Also, a child becomes weak in learning how to deal with his own issues.
My opinion remains unchanged. Parents should keep their concern on their children at a safe distance as it should always be. Too much concern suffocates the child’s physical and emotional independence.
