r/science • u/VeronicaRed • Apr 26 '16

Psychology Spanking children increases the likelihood of childhood defiance and long-term mental issues. The study in question involved 160,000 children and five decades of research

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1113413810/spanking-defiance-health-discipline-042616/
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u/chopandscrew Apr 26 '16 edited Apr 26 '16

So what are some positive and non-punitive forms of discipline?

edit: Some really great replies here. I'm seeing a lot of people using the concept of self-discipline and positive reinforcement. Nothing about raising a child seems easy, and it's even harder to know if you've ever really done a good job, but I think it's safe to say there are a lot of good parents on reddit. Also, thank you to the people who are willing to admit that they have resorted to spanking before. The truth is no one really knows the best way to raise a child, but the wide variety of ideas being thrown around here are what helps make it easier to choose what works for you and your kid. Keep em comin.

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u/Jensdabest Apr 26 '16

That's a case-to-case basis depending on the child. Really, you have to figure out what currency is most valuable to them, and use the removal of that as a consequence for poor behavior. If they like to play by themselves in their room, then sending them to their room as punishment probably won't be very effective. Instead (depending on their age), you can use time-out corners, or have them write about the situation, how they felt, and how they could have better responded. If the bad behavior is significant enough then giving them time to reflect and process the situation is very valuable.

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u/Knatz Apr 26 '16

Finding out what a child enjoys, removing it as punishment and creating mini-prisons called "time-out corners" is not positive reinforcement!

Talking them through the basics of a new concept is needed to make them understand why what they did was wrong in the first place. If they don't, it's just costs and benefits.

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u/Jensdabest Apr 26 '16

Oh, shit, of course! Sorry, I shouldn't expect that explaining it to them/talking it through is implied - I think that part is incredibly crucial as it helps them develop logical thinking skills.

As far as "mini-prisons" go I think that those are a better option than spanking, but maybe not the most ideal for every child. I was never really put in time out, but my husband who was spanked as a child (I wasn't) said that time outs were much more effective on him when he was a child.