The cane is an age-old instrument which has done a good job in helping our ancestors discipline their children for centuries.

In the West, many people advocate reasoning with children and they frown on caning. Look at how their youngsters have turned out. Many show no respect for authority.

Most children need some form of corporal punishment before they obey. Those who will listen to reason alone are in the minority.

Of course, caning should be done with love and be measured. Parents should also explain why they use the cane.

Caning your child does not mean he will be taught that violence is acceptable. Children are smarter than that - they know the difference between violence and disciplining with love.

I am not advocating the use of the cane in every situation. But there are times when using the cane is necessary.

My three children have all been caned before when they were little. One is now an adult, and the other two are teens. They respect their elders and know how to behave. They are not spoilt brats.

Lawrence Seow

This article was first published in The Sunday Times on Jan 18, 2009.