New research indicates that spanking has minimal effects on children’s development, explaining less than 1% of behavioral outcomes. The study suggests that controlled, limited spanking may be effective for some young children, especially when used alongside milder discipline methods.
That’s better. It’s still escalating language, and dishonest. But at least it’s more accurate.
And the truth is spanking doesn’t build trust. Not on its own anyway. It’s all about the context.
Following through on an established rule with a known consequences does actually promote trust. It works as part of a holistic approach to reward and punishment.
Spanking generally isn’t needed with many children. But with some children, it can be a effective tool when used appropriately.
…and there’s the rub. Far too often it’s not used appropriately. And people’s ideas of what is appropriate is colored by whether they too were beaten as a child.
Agreed. But that doesn’t effect my point, or even the study.
Almost everything with an effective appropriate use can also be misused.