What parents, caregivers need to know about corporal punishment

AMES ? Mental health experts say spanking and other forms of corporal punishment are not necessary and many times cause psychological side effects. However, there are plenty of effective alternatives, says Malisa Rader, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist in family life.

Parents sometimes underestimate their own strength ? particularly when angry. This can lead situations to escalate quickly.

?Take a moment before punishing a child,? Rader says, ?to avoid reacting out of anger or frustration.?

Establish an Environment of Trust and Encouragement

Many adults use the same forms of discipline they experienced as children. ?I was spanked as a child and I turned out fine? often is used to support the argument of physical punishment.

?I find this a very interesting point,? Rader said. ?Most everyone would agree that hitting a spouse is considered domestic violence, but for many, hitting a child is seen differently. Why??

If an adult?s primary approach to discipline mainly has involved physical punishment, it will take effort to implement alternative forms of guidance. However, there are numerous advantages to more thoughtful approaches. It?s important to establish the home as a safe place of trust, encouragement, love and support, Rader noted.

Alternatives to

Corporal Punishment

?A simple reminder is to give yourself time ? count to 50. This will keep you from overreacting to situations and make sure your approach is calm and rational. Remember, you are the adult in this situation,? Rader said

Rader offers these additional suggestions as alternatives to physically punishing a child.

? Reward a child?s good behavior. This is much more effective in the long run than punishing bad behavior and helps a child feel good about himself or herself rather than bad or resentful.

? Consider the function of the misbehavior. Is the child seeking attention? If so, fill this need at other times during the day.

? Help the child label his or her feelings with words as early as possible. When a child can verbalize feelings, it increases self-awareness and ability to delay inappropriate reactions.

? Choose a punishment that is a natural consequence of the misbehavior. For example, if a child did not pick up toys as requested, then he or she cannot play with the toys the rest of the day.

Set a Good Example

?Children want to be like their parents. They will follow your lead. Become vigilant that you are modeling for your child appropriate reactions to situations,? Rader said.

Iowans can call ISU Extension and Outreach?s Iowa Concern Hotline, 800-447-1985, for help and referrals for dealing with stress, crisis and loss.