What’s the Best Way to Discipline My Child? Free Essay Example

Disciplining children varies in many ways. There are some people that believe physical punishment such as spanking could never be an acceptable way in disciplining children, while there are those who consider spanking as an appropriate way in disciplining a child. So, should spanking a child be an acceptable practice for parents or caregivers to use in disciplining? This matter has been researched, discussed, and had people take different sides on the issue and voiced out their opinions. According to Pingleton (2014), spanking can be an effective way of disciplining children as a way for parents to guide, teach and keep children away from negative behavior and to assist them to be responsible.

However, spanking should be less as the child ages, and that it should be applied with caution. There are people that would agree to this way and type of disciplining, while there are those who believe that spanking is not the best alternative for disciplining children. Spanking is defined as “An act of slapping, especially on the buttocks as a punishment for children.

” (Oxforddictionaries, 2019). While discipline is defined as “The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.”

(Oxforddictionaries, 2019). These terms may be short and simple, but each can be defined and understood differently depending on the people involved whether they are parents, teachers, and even those in the profession that are involved with caring for children such as doctors, psychologist, social workers, pediatricians, nurses, grandparents or extended families that interacts with raising a child.

Not only will their beliefs and perception be changed but it can also be influenced by their cultural views, religious beliefs, social policy, and law.

An article done by Maggie Fox for NBC news stated how The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its views on corporal punishment. Dr. Robert Sege, a doctor who helped write the guidelines stated, “There is no benefit to spanking”. That within minutes after being hit or spanked, usually children will go back from the way they were. Physical punishment does not help children learn from their mistakes nor does it assist them in learning how to control and manage their behaviors. Spanking children as a means to teach them a lesson can also often create aggressive behavior. It makes them a higher risk of growing up with cognitive problems, mental and physical disorders, inability to create proper relationships with others, challenges in life, and substance abuse. Disciplining is a way to guide children properly by teaching them how to control their tantrums and behaviors, to promote socialization and interaction with others, and develop their cognitive thinking.