On 10 December 2010 the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth released a statement called Smacking is Not the Answer. The media release is supported by UNICEF, The Australian Childhood Foundation, The Benevolent Society, Good Beginnings Australia, Pinky McKay and Families Australia. It's worth a read.
Robin Grille, who wrote Parenting for a Peaceful World and Heart to Heart Parenting is also quoted in the release as saying "I fully support the position taken by ARACY on the subject of corporal punishment of children. As a psychologist, researcher and parent educator I am aware that the bulk of evidence from international research warns of a range of long term risks to child wellbeing associated with corporal punishment of any kind. At best, corporal punishment has failed tests of effectiveness in delivering any lessons on ethical behaviour, and there are ample more effective options for parents, teachers and carers.”
Here's a link to the release - Smacking is Not the Answer
What are your views on this?
Simply put, my view is that parents should not smack kids. However, I have smacked my kids a small number of times many years ago; I was wrong and I did it out of frustration. I am sure no long term harm was done but that's because I stopped, in my opinion.
Smacking
I am firmly opposed to smacking. I don't beleive it teaches children anything positive about communication, dealing with conflict or emotions.
My own son is nearly 7 and I have never smacked him. Nor would I.
Ali Davies
www.alidavies.com
Smacking
I think all of us have smacked our kids out of frustration, but you never feel good afterwards. I have been learning recently about emotion regulation, and the fact we cannot teach children to regulate their own emotions appropriately if we cannot regulate our own. Smacking is about loss of parental control, in my eyes.
Having a son on the autism spectrum means I have to be extra careful. If he modelled my inappropriate behaviour (hitting) in the school yard - a real risk - he would find himself in hot water.
Editor: Just adding in with her permission, the author of this comment is Benison O'Reilly, (author of Australian Autism Handbook)
Smacking
have recently found out that my sister is smacking her youngest because he is a 'monster'. I observed smacking the other day which was purely her taking her fustration out, the poor child received no warnings. If you ask me he is told he is a monster and he seemed to care very little about being smacked. I would love to say something but the line is that 'you do not understand what he is like, he is an absolute monster.'
I hope she comes to her senses soon and takes another approach. My heart is so heavy about the impact on my nepthew(s).
I might have to buy Robin's book for her.