Child Delinquency (An Essay)

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… the manner in which children are dealt with by parents and teachers, guardians and nurses either aids or hinders the progress and future welfare of the individual and of society.

Sonia H. Davis, “Child Delinquency Its Cause and Prevention”, Writings, 1952 – 1968, Box 1, Folder 26, John Hay Library, Providence, R.I.

Child Delinquency is an essay that focuses primarily on the proactive methods of raising children to promote sound mental hygiene. Sonia was the guest speaker for the Mental Hygiene Group in Los Angeles in May 1949, where she presented this piece. In the essay, spanning over 19 pages, Sonia elaborates on the importance of understanding the sensitivity of children and the necessity of guarding their mental formation at the earliest age possible, for it is within these tender years that their adult personality is ultimately formed.

Punishment avails nothing. For centuries, the endeavor to correct or eliminate the delinquent and criminal tendencies of; and regenerate, the wrong-doer, has been pursued and combatted with fallacious methods. These methods, usually, have been tried along governmental, political, legal and even social lines by measures of punitive enforcement but always, have they not only failed to eliminate or decrease waywardness and crime, but conversely, they have encouraged and developed crime to almost an exact science.

Sonia H. Davis, “Child Delinquency Its Cause and Prevention”, Writings, 1952 – 1968, Box 1, Folder 26, John Hay Library, Providence, R.I.

Sonia brings attention to the psychological results regarding punishment—punishment from parents, teachers, and public authorities. These punishments vary in presentation and range from sheer impatience to the severe physical; regardless of form, each is damaging to the child. For example, when a child persists in asking question upon question, it is how the parent reacts that matters the most. A parent could become instinctively impatient and respond with lies to get the child to stop asking questions, or simply dismiss the child’s constant interrogation by telling him or her to drop the matter and go play elsewhere. Although these reactions are natural, Sonia stresses the importance of viewing this moment as both a duty and a pleasure—to become involved and seek the correct answers for one’s children. The endless questioning is simply a child’s groping for knowledge. It is best that they receive answers from their parents rather than seek them elsewhere or grow frustrated with unfulfilled curiosities.  

A teacher is equally important as a parent in supporting the mental development of children. Although teachers are called to primarily instruct, there are moments in which a teacher must make a correction in behavior or the progression of learning. Even though classrooms abound with an array of personalities, making it difficult to maintain complete attention, Sonia still advises the teacher to take a moment to collect themselves if the need arises for necessary correction. The quick instinct to punish for wrongdoing or for a child’s lack of knowledge is, in Sonia’s opinion, a short-sighted reaction. Teachers are encouraged to approach each issue with patience and with an understanding of what is done today will ultimately affect the future.

A teacher is not to spotlight a student for wrongdoing in front of fellow students, nor to heavily criticize a student’s work in belittling ways. Sonia argues that, in the same way a teacher would not want to be put down before their fellow staff by their employer, such tactics must not be brought into the classroom. The teacher must strive to build confidence and curb unwanted behavior in ways that will bring about positive habits within the youth. Of course, Sonia admits, these theories are always easier said than done. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to put them into practice.

Child Delinquency is a compelling essay. It would be well suited to parental outlets, such as books, periodicals, or online forums. The full text of the essay is presented below.