How to Use Spanking as a Last Resort

Deciding how to discipline your child or toddler isn't an easy task. There are so many variables to consider and it seems like everyone has an opinion on the subject. If you want to hold off on spanking until you've run out of options, you're not alone. Many parents want to try every possible option before they spank; here are some things you can try.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Communicate with your child. You can curtail many problem behaviors by simply telling your child what you expect of him in certain situations. Begin by explaining to him why it's not nice to hit his brother or push his playmate. Then show him a more appropriate behavior, such as hugging or sharing a toy.

2. Distract her. If she continues with the inappropriate behavior, move her away from the activity and find something else for her to do. A change of scenery may be enough to stop the bad behavior.

3. Give him a time out. If the behavior continues, move him aside for a little while. This will give you both an opportunity to cool down and reflect. Let him sit on his own for one minute for every year of his life. Thus, a three-year-old can sit quietly for three minutes at a time before resuming play.

4. Rescind a privilege if none of the above methods work. Try taking away something that she finds important, such as a video game or a favorite toy. Consider putting the item up on the counter as a reminder of the consequences of her actions.

[JudyFord]

on 8/17/2009 As the parenting expert on eHow I would like to make it clear that I am against spanking in all situations. My workshops are entitled: Parenting with Love and Laughter and that is my approach. ❤

[pdeverit]

on 8/8/2009 Most compelling of all reasons to abandon this worst of all bad habits is the fact that buttock-battering can be unintentional sexual abuse for some children. There is an abundance of educational resources, testimony, documentation, etc available on the subject that can easily be found by doing a little research on "spanking".
Just a handful of those helping to raise awareness of why child buttock-battering isn't a good idea: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center For Effective Discipline, PsycHealth Ltd Behavioral Health Professionals, Churches' Network For Non-Violence, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Parenting In Jesus' Footsteps, Global Initiative To End All Corporal Punishment of Children, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 26 countries child buttock-battering is prohibited by law. In...

[pdeverit]

on 8/8/2009 Child buttock-battering vs. DISCIPLINE:
Child buttock-battering for the purpose of gaining compliance is nothing more than an inherited bad habit. Its a good idea for people to take a look at what they are doing, and learn how to DISCIPLINE instead of hit. I think the reason television shows like "Supernanny" and "Dr. Phil" are so popular is because that is precisely what many (not all) people are trying to do. There are several reasons why child buttock-battering isn't a good idea. Here are some good, quick reads recommended by professionals: Plain Talk About Spanking by Jordan Riak, The Sexual Dangers of Spanking Children by Tom Johnson, NO VITAL ORGANS THERE, So They Say by lesli Taylor M.D. and Adah Maurer Ph.D.