Lately there has been a lot of talk about whether or not spanking is acceptable in light of legislation that is being pushed in California to ban the form of discipline. While I am not a big spanker, I do think that it is an o.k. option in certain circumstances. According to a release out of London and posted to Reuters today, those who use spanking as a form of discipline could be causing their toddler to have emotional and behavioral problems later in life.
It just so happens that my sister in-law is pursuing her post grad. degree and is taking a child psychology class this semester. Her professor actually brought the topic up in class, asking them to raise their hand if they had been spanked as a child. Everyone in the class raised their hand. He then asked them if they felt that they had been damaged as a result. None felt this to be the case. What are your thoughts?
LONDON, Jan 24 (Reuters Life!) – Time out, extra chores and taking away privileges are more useful forms of disciplining naughty children than spanking or hitting, according to a study on Wednesday.An estimated 94 percent of parents use some form of corporal punishment to teach their toddlers right from wrong, according to research studies. But psychologists say it could lead to later emotional and behavioral problems.Even children who were only smacked occasionally are more likely to show signs of depression or lower self-esteem.