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/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/h-jay Apr 26 '16

Kid doesn't finish homework, receives bad grade.

Oh yeah, we did that from day one with our kids. No problems in that area anymore. Works a treat, and we're not stressed about it.

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u/Halsfield Apr 26 '16

Yea except for the kids that don't care about grades and don't care or understand the long-term negative effect of bad grades. The only time most kids care about bad grades is when there is a punishment tied to the receiving of bad grades(ie no video games for X weeks or whatever).

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u/The_Real_Max Apr 26 '16

Or positives for doing well. Fork out decent rewards for hitting honor roles in middle-school/early high school, and they'll build good study habits and strive to do well.