Spanking: There is a better discipline

      Spanking and other methods of physical discipline (corporal punishment) can pose serious health risks to children. Spanking has been found to hurt a child physically and mentally. Although I am a supporter of spanking and somewhat disagree with this theory, a lot of people agree with it. Parents and professionals feel that spanking can have negative effects on children. As a result, researchers have started to conduct studies to further evaluate spanking and the effects it can have on children. Some studies were difficult to conduct because while at home some parents do not like to spank kids in front of others. In the field (laboratory) it was hard because people do not usually spank in public. Nevertheless, there have been some successful studies done. Throughout the years of studies and research a lot of the findings have been similar. Studies have found that physical punishment (spanking) can lead to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, damaged mental health, and physical injuries. Some long term effects that have been found include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders in 2% to 7% of people observed. According to psychology professor Alan Kazdin, “There is no need for corporal punishment based on the research. We are not giving up an effective technique. We are saying this is a horrible thing that does not work” (Kazdin 2012). People found that spanking may work momentarily to stop bad behavior but it does not work in the long term. According to research spanking does more harm than good. Since all of the findings, a lot of parent's views on spanking have been altered. Some parents now prefer to use the alternative methods of discipline such as time outs and loss of privileges. They feel these methods pose a less threat on the child.

      Another negative outcomes of spanking is that it can destroy trust and self esteem. Children genuinely trust their parents and upon being spanked they trust their parents a little less. A child's self esteem can be damaged as well. “It's a very embarrassing thing to be spanked and shame is one of the most intolerable feelings to experience” (Greenberg 2012). As a result, the child could start to build a protective shield around themselves and have trust issues later in life. People have many opinions regarding spanking. A lot comes from experience and the outcome of research studies. In short, active practice of any discipline method will have the deepest impact.

(Disagreeing perspective, 415 word count)

References:

Smith, Brendan. "The Case Against Spanking". American Psychological Association. Vol 43. No 4. April 2012.Web. 6 Noember 2013.

Narvaez, Darcia. “Research on Spanking: It's Bad for All Kids”. Psychology Today. September 8 2013.Web. 6 November 2013

A Global Perspective

      Spanking is viewed very differently from one culture to another. In the United States spanking has become a common practice for discipline among parents. Although it is common for us, other countries view this method of discipline very seriously. They believe spanking is a form of corporal punishment that is very abusive to children. Countries have taken this method of punishment so serious that they have actually banned the use of corporal punishment (spanking). In 1979 Sweden became the first country to outlaw spanking. Since then seven other countries have followed behind Sweden and enforced similar laws to ban corporal punishment (spanking). These countries include Finland, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Cyprus, Latvia, and Croatia. As a result of the ban, studies have been conducted in Sweden to see if it has made any impact or difference on behavior and attitudes in that country. Their results show that there has been dramatic decreases in the use of physical punishments since 1979. According to Durrant a professor in physical punishment, “One study in particular, upon examining youth well being in Sweden found that youth have not become more unruly, under socialized, or self destructive following the passage of the 1979 corporal punishment” (Durrant 2000). The ban against spanking has been successful so other countries are considering to put the same laws into place. However, the United States is not one of the countries that is considering that option.


      The use of spanking may vary between cultures. Studies have been conducted and they suggest that in certain cultures, especially collectivist cultures like China and Africa, when parents do not spank their kids it may indicate a lack of love from the parents. In our culture we do not see it that way. When most parents spank their kids, we believe it is our way of showing “tough love” while trying to eliminate bad behaviors. Even though the ban has worked for other countries I feel we shouldn't model ourselves after them. We are a largely populated country with a lot of diversity and opinions. The ban was successful in countries that are smaller in population. What might work for one country will not guarantee to be successful for the next.


(Global Perspective, 359 word count)

 References:

Addleman, John. “Spanking”. International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family Vol 4. 2003. Web. 24 October 2013.
 

A Lesson Learned

      Spanking should be practiced as a disciplinary measure to indicate to children the severity of their own misbehavior. Children are very impressionable and it is our job as parents to teach them respect and right from wrong. They are just like a sponge and can soak in any information around them. For this reason, some families use spanking only as a serious consequence brought on by a serious misbehavior. Some children are naturally stubborn and using the alternative methods, such as time outs, just does not work. Children abuse time outs by constantly getting up and not taking a parent seriously. In these type of circumstances spanking in conjunction with this alternative method my be necessary. A spanking may also be a form of punishment in a dangerous situation. To illustrate, if a child was about to touch a hot stove a slap to the hand lets a child know this was a serious misbehavior. Children have to learn that certain behaviors are not okay and they have to make better choices. We have to show our children that we are serious and stand behind our choice of punishment. According to Elizabeth Gershoff a leading researcher on physical punishment, “Part of the problem is good discipline isn't quick and easy” (Gershoff 2012). It is never easy for a parent to spank a child but it is a way to teach them respect and responsibility. This is a technique that takes time and the child will eventually learn.


      As parents we are here to protect our children at the same time being able to exhibit love. This is why it is essential to have a good relationship and communication between the parent and a child. Children can develop negative feelings once they are spanked, just like with any means of punishment. To help eliminate these feelings once a spanking has been delivered the parent should do a couple of extra steps. The parent should communicate and explain why they were spanked. This helps a child to understand the reason for their punishment and their consequence. To help keep a healthy relationship between the two, a parent should verbally or physically show that the child is loved at the end of the punishment. This helps to let the child know that even when I am misbehaving mommy and daddy still loves me. Building a trusting relationship can help children know that spanking or any punishment is not done out of anger but love and to show them the severity behind certain misbehavior.

                                                                 




(Reason 3, Word count 380)


Sources:


Slade Ph. D, Eric. “Spanking in Early Childhood and Later Behavior Problems”. Pediatrics for Parents. 2012. Web. 30 October 2013.


 Smith, Brendan. "The Case Against Spanking". American Psychological Association. Vol 43. No 4. April 2012.Web. 18 October 2013.
   

Spanking: A successful and beneficial form of punishment

      Spanking can be a successful and beneficial discipline method if utilized correctly. How many times have you heard the expression, “I was spanked as a child and I came out fine”. I believe there is some truth to that statement. Spanking is one of the most widely known and used punishments of school aged children. Since the 1940's when studies first started, it has been found that majority of people have been spanked and occasionally spank their children. According to studies, nine out of every ten preschool aged kids from two to six year old have been spanked at least once in the past week. In 1990 George Holden, a psychology professor at Southern Methodist University, conducted research that show 90% of all parents use spanking as a form of punishment. 70% of the study participants were college educated women. However, these numbers have decreased since times have changed. As a parent and a supporter of spanking, I use this method when necessary as one of the forms of discipline in my home. As parents, we try to limit or correct any negative behaviors that children exhibit. Spanking has shown to be effective on a short term basis in getting a child to change those behaviors.


      Alternative methods are successful in some children. However, some kids are difficult to discipline with milder methods so spanking may be necessary in those situations. According to Robert Lazalere Ph.D who studies parental discipline, “Some kids are difficult to parent. At times they simply won't stay in a time out and they can not be reasoned with. That's where conditional spanking comes into play” (Lazalere 2012). In recent studies spanking has shown to be very effective when used in conjunction with the milder methods such as time out and reasoning. For example, if a child exhibited a bad behavior use time out first. If the child resist time out than use spanking to enforce the punishment. After that make sure to reason and explain your actions. This has personally been a success in my home but you definitely need to communicate with your child.


      There are other factors to consider for spanking to be beneficial. A good home environment and relationship between the parent and the child is essential when spanking is the choice of discipline. If the home environment and relationship is not good a child might perceive the punishment as violence instead of a consequence of their behavior. One benefit of spanking is that it can teach respect and teach children to take responsibility for their actions. For this reason, is why I enforce this discipline in my home. When I spank my kids they know they have done something serious enough for that consequence. A parent can gain the most benefits of spanking when they lovingly and rationally explain the reason for their actions. If a parent uses spanking appropriately it can be a great tool for teaching children right from wrong.






(Supporting perspective, 466)


Moninger, Jeanette. “The Great Spanking Debate”. Parents Magazine. January 2012. Web. 24 October 2013.


Rochman, Bonnie. “”The First Real Time Study of Parents Spanking Their Kids”. Family Matters. Time Magazine. 28 June 2011. Web. 24 October 2013.


Slade Ph. D, Eric. “Spanking in Early Childhood and Later Behavior Problems”. Pediatrics for Parents. 2012. Web. 24 October 2013.


Addleman, John. “Spanking”. International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family Vol 4. 2003. Web. 24 October 2013.

Spanking: A Controversial Issue

      Spanking has been a controversial form of punishment amongst many for some time. Spanking, also known as physical punishment, is something everyone is probably familiar with. It is a tool commonly used to eliminate negative behavior in children. In the older days children were told to go outside and get a switch off of the tree when they were being bad. In other circumstances, parents did not need the switch. When children were misbehaving they were put over their parent's knee and smacked across the bare bottom. The majority of people ,at some point in their life, have been spanked as a form of punishment in some type of way. It may seem as a normal means of punishment for children, however it has recently raised attention among some parents and others. People are now questioning if spanking is the right kind of punishment to correct our children. Personally I am a supporter of spanking. I was spanked as a child and I carry the tradition on with my children when needed. Spanking is viewed very differently among people, countries, and cultures. There are actually countries that have banned spanking as a form of punishment to protect children. Children are going to be children. They are going to be mischievous and get into trouble.

      As parents, it is our responsibility to use the appropriate form of punishment to correct the behavior. Researchers have started studies to inquire if spanking our children is doing more harm to them than good. A lot of parents are starting to wonder the same thing. Some studies have shown possible long term mental effects on children. According to psychology professor Sandra Graham-Bermann, “It's a very controversial area even though the research is extremely telling and very clear and consistent about the negative effects on children” (Graham-Bermann 2012). Some of the negative effects that spanking can have on children are still begin studied to this day. Who would have thought something that is so common and has been done for generations can now be such a controversial issue? This has caused researchers to take a closer look at physical punishment on children. It has also caused parents to take a second look at using physical punishment on their own children. The arguments that I have studied have not changed my opinion regarding spanking. I will continue to use spanking ,as needed, as one of my methods of discipline in my home

      Furthermore, many people feel that physical punishment is not the appropriate action to use to correct a child. They believe that alternative methods such as time out, positive reinforcement, and loss of privileges are better discipline tools to modify behavior. In contrast, some parents still feel that spanking can be a successful tool for punishment if utilized correctly and they still practice it today. Remember that any discipline method parents choose to use it has to be for the best interest of the child.

                                                             

(Central Argument 404)

Refereneces:

 Smith, Brendan. "The Case Against Spanking". American Psychological Association. Vol 43. No 4. April 2012.Web. 18 October 2013.

Is Spanking the right kind of punishment?

My name is Jerice and currently I am majoring in Nursing. I am a loving wife and mother to 4 amazing kids. I am an extremely friendly person with a huge heart. Sometimes I am blunt but truthful with a little attitude. I have been through a lot in life, but all of my experiences molded me into the great person I am today. I have great family and true friends that I am extremely grateful for.