Spanking is one of the most debated topics among parents. Most pediatricians and psychologists do not recommend spanking but still, many parents claim to have been doing this as it is hard to discipline a child without spanking.
To most parents, spanking is the easiest and most effective way to teach a child what is right. In a way, it works, but studies have shown that harsh parenting brings out the worst in children.
If you are one of those against spanking, here are alternative ways on how to discipline your child without whipping.
Give them a time-out.
Hitting kids to correct a behavior confuses them. They may wonder why it is alright for you to hit them, but they are not allowed to do the same to others. Instead, place them in a time-out. This strategy teaches kids to calm themselves.
However, a time out can be effective only if the kids have many positive time-in with their parents. When they are left alone, the distance from their parents would be uncomfortable, and the discomfort could remind them to be better next time.
Withdraw privileges.
Even though spanking hurts for a moment, what hurts more is taking away privileges from them. If you take away television, toys, games, or any activity that they like, children will be reminded to behave. Make sure to let them know that they may get back those privileges. Normally, 24 hours is enough for a child to learn.
Disregard mild misbehavior.
Ignore your child when they are just seeking attention. You will know when your child is complaining or purposefully irritating you to seek attention. When this happens, try not to give in, and do not respond.
You will notice a change. Then when they would ask for your attention again, but more nicely. That is the time you give your attention. As time passes, kids learn that it is better to behave to get what they want.
Teach them new skills.
When kids encounter problems, and things do not go their way, they lose their temper. Children will not learn how to calm down when you spank them because of their tantrums.
Parents should teach their children how to solve problems, manage their emotions, and compromise. These life skills can help in reducing behavioral problems. Discipline works well when aimed at teaching, not punishing.
Provide logical consequences
Logical consequence is a good way to help children overcome behavioral problems. For example, if your child does not eat his dinner, do not give him milk later. If he does not keep his toys after playing, do not let him play other toys. This strategy lets them see that their behavior has direct consequences.
Let them learn from natural consequences
Natural consequences teach children to learn from their mistakes. An example would be if the child does not want to bring a jacket: let him feel cold outside. Let natural consequences teach your child. Just make sure that their life will not be in danger.
Give rewards for good behavior.
Give your child an incentive for good behavior, instead of spanking when he misbehaves. For example, if your child does not want to eat veggies, you may motivate him by giving a piece of chocolate when he finishes his greens.
Providing rewards to good deeds almost instantly transforms a child who misbehaves. This approach can teach them to behave well to earn incentives, rather than emphasizing what they should avoid doing.
Compliment them on the good deeds.
Praising a child for good behavior would motivate him to continue doing so. For example, if you caught your child sharing his toys with others, praise the good conduct.
Children like praises because they get the attention that they want. Thus, when a child is behaving well, praise him so that he will continue doing things to receive more praise.
