Physical Discipline

Physical Discipline

One of the most controversial issues in parenting today is physical disciple in a child’s

Up-bringing, when does discipline end and abuse start? Do we need to spank or hit our children.

At one time or another most of us have seen an out-of-control parent in a parking lot,

supermarket or at home smack a child. It has probably left quite an impression whether you

approved or disapproved. The law is very touchy on this area of discussion due to various

cultural and religious beliefs in America today. When is it okay to tell a person how to raise their

child? Should spanking be Banned, is it wrong? Does it have an effect on the child? What is

the best way to discipline a child who is acting out of line?

Many believe that spanking is no more harmful or damaging than a scolding, timeout or

other passive punishment used by parents, That all forms of punishment are intrusive, whether

physical or non-physical. Punishment should be used at times when mild methods such as

persuasion or distraction, have failed. Most psychologists, however; fall on the anti-spanking

side of the debate. The American Academy of Pediatrics voices strongly against hitting or

spanking, having once said in a policy statement that “corporal punishment is of limited

effectiveness and has potentially deleterious side effects.” A researcher from the University of

New Orleans, Paul Frick; warns that spanking or physical discipline can lead to emotional or

behavioral problems. Saying children who only once and awhile are smacked or hit are more

than likely to show signs of depression or lower self-esteem. Frick, who studied the effects of

physical discipline on 98 children and then published his findings in the Journal of Applied

Developmental Psychology, said he couldn't find any positive effects for spanking. Children

being slapped,...