{"id":322,"date":"2019-07-30T20:10:36","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T20:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-childdevelopment\/?post_type=chapter&p=322"},"modified":"2019-08-01T13:55:59","modified_gmt":"2019-08-01T13:55:59","slug":"physical-punishment-and-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-childdevelopment\/chapter\/physical-punishment-and-alternatives\/","title":{"raw":"Physical Punishment and Alternatives","rendered":"Physical Punishment and Alternatives"},"content":{"raw":"Physical Punishment & Alternatives \u2013 <\/strong>\r\n\r\nIs spanking considered abuse?\u00a0 A large number of organizations in the US prohibit physical punishment, including spanking, as physical punishment has been linked with abuse. In the heat of the moment, using physical means of punishment is more likely to escalate than non-physical punishment. However, spanking is currently not illegal in a household, as long as there is no physical harm to the child.\u00a0 If there are markings as a result of the spanking, it would qualify as abuse.\r\n\r\nAlthough there is much research that has revealed many potential negative outcomes related to physical punishment, it remains a controversial issue, as a number of people feel that the way they were raised is the only way.\u00a0 Some parents say they don't know what else to do. \u00a0It is true that a caregiver may get a more immediate result when using physical punishment, however, in the long term it does not guide the child in appropriate behavior.\u00a0 In fact, by spanking, a caregiver would be demonstrating that hitting is an appropriate option for solving problems.\u00a0 On the other hand, more and more people are now utilizing alternatives to physical punishment to avoid the potential for negative outcomes.\u00a0 Yes, using alternative strategies can take longer to obtain the desired behavior than the threat of physical punishment, but in the long term have been found to be more effective and much better for overall outcomes.\r\n\r\nResearchers, Durrant and Ensome, state, \u201cThe growing weight of evidence and the recognition of children\u2019s rights have brought us to a historical point. Physicians familiar with the research can now confidently encourage parents to adopt constructive (non-physical) approaches to discipline and can comfortably use their unique influence to guide other aspects of children\u2019s healthy development. In doing so, physicians strengthen child well-being and parent\u2013child relationships at the population level.\u201d<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth finds:\u00a0 The evidence is clear and compelling \u2014 physical punishment of children and youth plays no useful role in their upbringing and poses only risks to their development. The conclusion is equally compelling \u2014 parents should be strongly encouraged to develop alternative and positive approaches to discipline.\r\n

Key points<\/h4>\r\n
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  • Numerous studies have found that physical punishment increases the risk of broad and enduring negative developmental outcomes.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
  • No study has found that physical punishment enhances developmental health.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Most child physical abuse occurs in the context of punishment.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
  • A professional consensus is emerging that parents should be supported in learning nonviolent, effective approaches to discipline.\u00a0 <\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatives to Physical Punishment \u2013 <\/strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a number of documents outlining the research and rationale behind using alternatives INSTEAD of physical discipline.\u00a0 Although it can take more time for children to learn behavior with non-physical strategies, in the long run it is beneficial for households and for societal reductions in violence.\r\n\r\nParenting Strategies<\/strong>\r\n\r\nParenting experts recommend that parents create a plan in advance<\/strong> so that they have discussed how they will respond to child behavior in a variety of situations. Children do well with structure and knowing what to expect. Creating a plan can also reduce the chances of a parent responding impulsively or out of anger.\r\n\r\nModeling patience and calm responses<\/strong> is one of the best ways to teach children healthy ways to deal with disappointment and conflict.\u00a0 Is this easy, NO, especially if our caregivers did not model this.\u00a0 It does take practice, and no one is perfect, but great strides can be made.\r\n\r\nManage stress levels and find support.<\/strong>\u00a0 Stress management for caregivers is one of the most significant prevention measures that can be taken to avoid abusive situations.\r\n\r\nLooking for the positives<\/strong> \u2013 It can be easy to focus on the negative behaviors of a child.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t do this, they didn\u2019t do that right. The number of negative comments a child gets per day usually far outweigh the number of positive comments.\u00a0 We need to remember that they are children and they are learning so it is natural that there will be many areas that need guidance.\u00a0 However, behavioral research has shown us that using positives to guide behavior can be very powerful.\u00a0 When we give all or most of our attention to the negatives the child learns that by doing negative things, they will get attention!\u00a0 So flipping that around will help encourage the child to carry out positive behaviors. Look for the positives, look for the greatness in a child.\u00a0 When you see anything positive, no matter how small, make a positive comment.\u00a0 \u201cI really like how you put your shoes away without even being asked! It feels great to see you being an important part of our family team.\u201d\r\n\r\nTry these additional alternatives as well:\r\n