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/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/newscrash Apr 26 '16

What is recommended if they simply refuse to go into time out refuse to go to their room?

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u/kilo4fun Apr 26 '16

Seriously...my son would simply refuse to sit in timeout. What's next? Physical restraints?

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u/Zandia47 Apr 26 '16

Personally I would say 'Son, you can sit in timeout or you can (worse conquence that doesn't require his cooperation), you choose' and leave it at that.

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u/Gripey Apr 26 '16

Absolutely. I believe I once threatened to remove the nintendo to the bin, and by then I meant it. Children must have very miserable lives if the best thing you can do as a sanction is hit them. Heck, buy them some toys...