An interesting debate that has reared its head again is whether or not it is right for parents to smack their children as a form of discipline.
Now some of you may disagree with views here on the subject and comments and opinions are on what you as parents think on the matter.
Some view smacking as unnecessary when teaching a child right from wrong, as it highlights our inability to remain in control. Can anything really be achieved by smacking a child to “teach him/her a lesson” in the hope that “they won’t do that again in a hurry.”
Contrary to what David Lammy MP has suggested in recent opinions on the cause of the London riots, mindless thug with little respect for elders and the community around us is not the result of a lack of smacking, rather a lack of praise and positive encouragement.
Most children dread more than anything and tried to avoid these six little words with a huge meaning “I am very disappointed in you.”
Children seek approval and praise. This is done through positive activities and if noticed by parents they will not use bad behaviour as a way of getting this desired attention. As many children realise some attention is better than none at all.
Getting a smack does not highlight how disappointed in behaviour parents are. More so it breeds fear and that does not induce the notion of respect that is necessary for good development for life. Fear can have the adverse affect and lead to resentment.
What has been urged by many in the field of child behaviour and development is to listen, respect and teach. In short teach by example. A child will display learned behaviour. Born a blank canvas, children will act through the ways they see others behaving and how they are treated by us.
I ask you, is it not better to encourage them and focus on the positive ways a child acts with guidance when they go wrong? Rewarding good behaviour results in a much better result than punishing bad behaviour by smacking. Please feel free to leave your opinions and comments on the matter.
nights are a perfect excuse for why not to go out and spend – its too dark and too cold. Let’s wrap up warm and stay in. So during the week why not get those board games out and challenge the family to a game of hungry hippos, cluedo, monopoly or even trivia. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have. Our favourites are things like Balderdash, Charades and Pictionary – everyone always ends up in stitches.
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