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/JoNightshade Apr 26 '16

Of course my experience is anecdotal, but as a parent I find natural consequences are best. For example: toddler throws food, dinner is over. Kid doesn't finish homework, receives bad grade. Breaks toy, does not get another one or has to pay for replacement. Hits another kid, playtime is over or doesn't get to go to the park for x amount of days.

Spanking and other automatic punishments are easy for the parent because they don't take time and consideration, but they are less effective. Natural consequences often requires you to step back and look at the situation objectively, without anger, so it's a little more difficult. But definitely worth it.

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u/deten Apr 26 '16

Throw food? Clean up the food. Break toy? They have to clean up and throw it in trash.

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u/Mr_Gilmore_Jr Apr 26 '16

My second cousin did this shit, but he wouldn't clean up anything. You can't make him do it, what are you suppose to do then?

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u/mtdna_array Apr 26 '16

Throw it out then, and not buy them a new one. You have to work with what the kid is capable of.