UF pediatrician: Why you should reconsider spanking your child as a form of discipline
Florida Statutes Section 39.01 states, “Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.” While it may be legal for parents to use corporal punishment as outlined, does that mean they should? Although the fear generated from spanking may get one’s child to do what is wanted in the present, the long-term consequences cannot be understated.
One study demonstrated that children who were spanked more frequently later demonstrated higher externalizing behaviors, or behaviors that harm others or their environment. Examples of externalizing behaviors include defiance, aggression, bullying and delinquency. These externalizing behaviors prompt parents to use corporal punishment with more frequency or severity, leading to a vicious cycle.
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As a result of spanking, children can chronically release higher levels of stress hormones which can, in turn, alter their brain development. A study has shown that spanked children demonstrated lower IQs in adulthood and had decreased amounts of gray matter in their brains. One of the roles of gray matter in the brain is self-control and emotional regulation. Studies have also found that spanking is linked to a poorer connection to parents, greater anxiety, substance abuse and domestic violence in adulthood.
There is no question that discipline is a fundamental job of all parents and a requirement so children can learn to regulate their behavior and how they interact with the world. If spanking is not the answer, then what is?
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides 10 strategies that parents can utilize:
1. Show and tell
Embody and demonstrate the behavior you wish to see in your children.
2. Set limits
Establish clearly defined age-appropriate rules.
3. Give consequences
Calmly explain consequences and follow through with them. For consequences to be more effective, they should be immediate. Removing privileges is a good alternative to corporal punishment.
4. Hear them out
Listen to your children and inquire about the underlying reason for their behavior.
5. Give them your attention
Consciously giving children more of your attention at baseline can often prevent misbehavior. Misbehavior and acting out can be a child’s subconscious way of obtaining your attention.
6. Catch them being good
Reinforce good behavior with small rewards and kind words.
7. Know when not to respond
If a child’s behavior, such as a tantrum, is not harming themselves or others, then try your best to ignore the behavior so as not to reinforce it with your attention.
8. Be prepared for trouble
Anticipating situations where children may misbehave can allow you to have a conversation beforehand to prepare them in advance.
9. Redirect behavior
Try to keep your children pre-occupied with wholesome activities. Children often get into trouble when they are bored.
10. Call a time out
Explain that your child will get a time-out if they break a particular rule. If the rule is broken, give them a time-out. Time-outs are effective as early as age 2 and usually less effective beyond age 10. Time-outs should be brief (1 minute per year of age). The goal is not to isolate your child, but to remove them from the situation that prompted the behavior. Conversation with your child should be kept to a minimum and a child should be escorted back to time-out if they leave early.
For more information and tips on effectively disciplining children, parents should always consult their child’s pediatrician.
Aneeb Mohideen, MD, pediatrics resident, University of Florida
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Discipline through spanking may cause more harm than good for children
