A long term study was conducted in New Zealand on the effects of spanking children and concluded that not only is it okay to smack your kids, it could be beneficial.

Although we’re not personally of the spanking ilk, I do think that when used judiciously (and rarely), and in cases of dire consequence and safety matters (like a child repeatedly trying to run out into the street or spitting on you when asked nicely to do something), it’s okay. I do find myself cringing however, every time this article uses the word “smacked”. It just doesn’t sit right with me. Spanking seems so much less severe and harsh. Or how about love taps? Can we call them that?

Of course, they really ruin it for parents who spank (not me!) when they bring up the kids that are abused and neglected, and throw them into the whole “smacked” group.  You wind up saying to yourself, “I don’t want to be associated with those freaks”, so you just drop your stance altogether, and kids continue to be brattier and more and more self absorbed. I know this may have nothing to do with spanking, but I sure as hell it has something to do with lack of discipline.

Thoughts?

AP source, published in World News Australia:

The lead author of the study, psychologist Jane Millichamp, said that the project appeared to be the world’s first long-term study to specifically identify and monitor participants who had simply been smacked with an open hand.

Preliminary analysis showed that those subjects had “similar or even slightly better outcomes” than those who were not smacked in terms of aggression, substance abuse, adult convictions and school achievement.

“Study members in the ’smacking only’ category of punishment appeared to be particularly high-functioning and achieving members of society,” Ms Millichamp said.

“I have looked at just about every study I can lay my hands on, and there are thousands, and I have not found any evidence that an occasional mild smack with an open hand on the clothed behind or the leg or hand is harmful or instills violence in kids,” she said.

“I know that is not a popular thing to say, but it is certainly the case.”

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