Parenting can be an arduous task. And this has resulted in various parenting techniques being developed, some scientifically proven to work while others are based on folklore and superstitions. One such discredited method is spanking. Many parents still believe that spanking their kids is a suitable punishment for disobedience or misbehavior.
As humans, we are inclined to explore different methods of disciplining our children. We often draw from our personal experiences as well as the experiences of those around us when deciding what measures to take in guiding our children towards becoming productive members of society.
In this article, we shall explore the consequences associated with spanking your child and why it’s not an effective form of discipline.
Introducing Spanking and its Meaning
Spanking refers to striking one's buttocks using hands or objects like paddles, belts, and sticks as a means of punishment or discipline for wrong behavior.
While many may argue that they were spanked by their parents without suffering any negative effects, research shows otherwise.
Behavioral problems which include aggressive behavior patterns among other undesirable traits have been recorded amongst children whose parents regularly spank them compared to those who don't use corporal punishment methods on their kids.
Here's everything you need to know about why it might be time for you never to lay your hand on your child again:
Physical harm
One of the most apparent results from repeatedly subjecting your child after committing mistakes to physical punishments such as spanking is physical injuries caused by repeated hits; which makes sense if you think about it — Imagine receiving blows directed at certain body parts so frequently; wouldn’t there eventually begin swelling and bruises? To avoid exposing oneself further medical bills consequent from these damages resulting explicitly like spinal cord lesions.
Increase In Aggression
Contrary to popular belief, it has been found out that frequent spanking only serves to make kids more aggressive. Once a child has been spanked, their aggression doesn’t subside just because the punishment is over; it persists and continues developing.
It can get worse as younger children who have not yet developed an adequate means of expressing themselves end up taking out their frustrations in school or other social settings.
They may become irritable frequently displaying acts of anger towards seemingly small actions in which others users would normally never respond back with any sort of harshness Hence why many mothers might say no spanking for my baby as they're trying to prevent unduly unnecessary violent behaviour patterns within them.
Fear of One’s Parents
Many people are rightfully skeptical about corporal punishments that affect minors' physical, emotional and psyche balance. The concern stems from the fact that spanking your child frequently results in fear rather than respect amongst your underage ones.
Children who pass their formative years under such duress grow afraid of retribution resulting most times results undermining trust between both parties and ultimately communication seems almost impossible making irrational decisions such as hiding things, lying repeatedly making sure they’re nowhere close when there may be evidence connecting them with wrongdoing.
Low Self Esteem
Because spanking tends to lower one's self-esteem by feeding into feelings on unworthiness, shame or guilt due repeated belittlement combined with possible aggression from sources intended provide safety ironically enough meaning parents it’s advisable you use other methods like time outs for instance instead
Time-outs spare children humiliation which can cause life-long trauma even after reaching adulthood wreaking havoc on brain paths built based on prior experiences often making individuals susceptible eating disorders substance abuse or suffering anxiety among other societal pressures negatively impeding development during those very important transition periods so take note before ever being compelled down paths influenced unfounded theories having psychological unhealthily debilitating effects on your loved ones.
Difficulty Building Meaningful Relationships
As we previously touched on, spanking often results in fear-induced obedience amongst children. As they grow up and leave the household, they continue to carry those same emotions into their relationships.
They may view interactions as a means for avoiding punishment rather than building genuine bonds with others due to memories too strong to detach from about how they may have been dealt with back at home indefinitely by force regularly inducing unnecessary feelings selfish power dynamics over partners.
Mental Health Problems
Studies conclude that harsh punishments like spanking are associated with depression symptoms experienced during adulthood. Children who were spanked more severely developed mental health issues over time compared to kids who never went through similar circumstances pointing starkly towards potentially negative effects felt throughout lives so why risk it?
Conclusion
It is clear that the idea of spanking has long-standing traditions anchored on unsafe grounds. While some parents argue that it’s essential in curbing unruly behavior displayed my impressionable minors, research would indicate otherwise.
By engaging children in conversations surrounding why their actions could be deemed improper or guidelines explaining the corollary effects of what might happen if certain behaviors repeated once again concern arises; regularly applying empathy while constantly learning different strategies steered towards discipline ensures you’re properly equipped ensure your child grows up self reliant trusting not fearful their guardians explicitly decreasing likelihoods resulting negative adult traits hoping nobody gets close enough noticing behavioral patterns adding fuel toxic assumptions by making wrong analysis about persons future plans and life goals rarely ever being accurate.