Fear Is Ineffective Punishment

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Fear is never an effective strategy in teaching a child the concept of learning right from wrong (HandinHand, 2017). In my experience, living in a verbally and physically abusive environment is not a pleasant experience for anyone, especially a child. Growing up I was so afraid of my abusive father that on the day my mother decided to leave him, I hid our Greyhound bus tickets in between two books in my backpack. I did not want anything to stop us from moving away from him. I would never want to punish my children the way that I was punished as a child.
As a parent, I have often struggled with what would be the “best” way to discipline my children especially after being raised in an unhealthy environment. Right before the first time …show more content…

He defines ‘backup spanking’ as the method of two swats to the rear end only after ineffective non-physical punishment has not stopped the misbehavior (Ogilvie, 2017). I agree with Professor Larzelere; non-physical punishment in the form of a consequence can be an effective tool for punishment. I cannot say that I have never spanked either of my children but I definitely find that giving consequences is far more effective in holding them accountable for their misbehavior. Overall, building an effective strategy that works for your parenting style takes time and patience (Telep, 2009). For example, if you talk to your child ahead of time, you can make sure that you give them a warning about what offenses can led to consequences (Pingleton, 2014). In my opinion, if you decide to spank your child, make it a last resort and make sure the punishment fits the …show more content…

Physical punishment such as spanking may give a parent immediate correction to a misbehavior but it also inserts a non-pleasant memory into a child’s mind. If physical punishment is chosen, it is extremely important that a child know that their parent is using this form of punishment not out of frustration but out of concern for the child’s misbehavior (Ogilvie, 2011). Parents that oppose physical punishment use consequences in place of spanking. These parents feel that giving children the opportunity to learn from their misbehavior is far more effective than damaging a child’s psyche. After all, children that receive spankings may feel that once the spanking has ended they are free to misbehave again (Telep, 2009). Ultimately, what works for some parents may not necessarily work others. The form of punishment you decide to utilize is up to you as a parent. Whether it is spanking (physical), consequences (non-physical), or a combination of the two, children need to be raised in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment (AACAP, 2012). After all, parenting is not easy, no parent is perfect, and children are not born with instructions attached (Pingleton, 2014). The most important lesson in parenting and discipline is that, although it may be tough, you have to be loving in whichever form of punishment you choose (Pingleton,

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