Whats wrong with spanking?
Spanking can work in stopping unwanted behavior fairly quickly. However, when we ask parents/caregivers if spanking is effective , and if it permanently stops the unwanted behavior, they invariably say no. Spanking does not normally change behavior, it does not give the child instructions on what they could do instead, nor does it show the child how to meet their own needs. Misbehavior is often a cry for an unmet need. There can be negative lessons that are learned through spanking. Children may learn that the person who is bigger wins, or that hitting and hurting someone are ways to express your anger and disappointment. Spanking may breed fear, anger and rebelliousness and does not help the child learn to become responsible for their behavior. More importantly, when children fear they are going to get hurt when they make mistakes or mess up, they make sure they dont get caught which means they learn to lie and become sneaky.
