TRANSLATE

Spanking may be a temporary squasher of children's bad behavior, but according to a recent study by a Columbia University researcher, it can also lead to very negative and long term behavioral problems that include over aggression, defiance, isolationism, with harbored resentment and hostility; and other illnesses.

As reported by the Washington Post: Elizabeth Gershoff, in a study done for the Columbia National Center for Children in Poverty, also says "Spanking can lead to delinquency and a failure to learn right from wrong."

Surveys indicate that 94 percent of Americans spank their children by the time they're 4 years old.

"Some of the behavior Gershoff cited may have been present before spanking began, and that in the absence of spanking, these problems may actually have become worse," says Robert Larzelere, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.

"Honored Guests"

I believe that children should be treated like our guests, after all, they're so quickly grown and out the door, to the great dismay of loving parents.

The controversy as to whether to spank or not to spank should be settled by a simple thought. Treat them the way you would like to be taught; for their, and your, self esteem: with the rod of truth, talk to them, they're just children; reason with kindness, consideration and an obvious love; rather than an impatient, resenting, gross attitude. Chances are, it's all about their needing your attention, anyway.

Restrain them with the strengths of wisdom, patience, and non violence.

Guaranteed: they'll love and respect you for it.

Gershoff's research and Larzelere's response are both published this week in the 'American Psychological Association's Journal, Psychological Bulletin.'
 
 

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