What does the evidence say about physical punishment (slapping, spanking, etc)?
I'm one of those 90s babies who grew up with it both at school and at home. The product of authoritarian gen X parents and teachers.
I've always thought it was unnecessary and probably harmful. But I have recently heard from some scholars that it can be part of an effective discipline strategy and that people who are totally against it exaggerate the evidence for its harmfulness.
Good question -- my understanding is that the latest research suggests physical discipline is generally not effective, and in some cases, may even have the opposite of the intended effect (i.e., leading kids to engage in MORE aggressive behavior and rule-breaking). See this meta-analysis, for example. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7992110/
I feel like I’m really struggling with my kids with my preschooler son generally antagonizing and snatching things from his young toddler sister. It’s hard not to give the behavior attention when their interactions constantly devolve into the little one screaming because my son snatched a toy from her and gleefully ran away. Example here but I’m sure anyone with multiple young kids can recognize this type of pattern.
Yes, this is so tricky and such a common issue! This might be a situation where ignoring isn't as effective -- a few good resources on sibling conflict I've found:
What does the evidence say about physical punishment (slapping, spanking, etc)?
I'm one of those 90s babies who grew up with it both at school and at home. The product of authoritarian gen X parents and teachers.
I've always thought it was unnecessary and probably harmful. But I have recently heard from some scholars that it can be part of an effective discipline strategy and that people who are totally against it exaggerate the evidence for its harmfulness.
Any clarity on this?
Good question -- my understanding is that the latest research suggests physical discipline is generally not effective, and in some cases, may even have the opposite of the intended effect (i.e., leading kids to engage in MORE aggressive behavior and rule-breaking). See this meta-analysis, for example. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7992110/
Thank you. I will definitely have a look through that article.
I feel like I’m really struggling with my kids with my preschooler son generally antagonizing and snatching things from his young toddler sister. It’s hard not to give the behavior attention when their interactions constantly devolve into the little one screaming because my son snatched a toy from her and gleefully ran away. Example here but I’m sure anyone with multiple young kids can recognize this type of pattern.
Yes, this is so tricky and such a common issue! This might be a situation where ignoring isn't as effective -- a few good resources on sibling conflict I've found:
-Melinda Wenner Moyer in the NYTimes (her book has more details, too!) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/big-kid/what-to-do-when-your-kids-fight.html
-Emily Oster's post on this
https://www.parentdata.org/p/what-to-do-about-sibling-conflict
-Book - Siblings Without Rivalry [haven't read this one but plan to!]
https://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together-ebook/dp/B007HXL1V0/
Thank you! I appreciate the resources