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Should Smacking Ban Get Backing?

Most mothers believe the best way to discipline a naughty child is with a sharp smack. But this way of bringing kids into line could be banned.

Five European countries including Norway and Sweden have already outlawed smacking. Germany and Scotland are also considering a ban. So are we way behind the times and should we find other ways to discipline children?

Child experts have mixed views. Penelope Leach, author of best-selling Baby and Child, campaigns with anti-smacking group EPOCH.

She says "Children learn from example and every time you smack your child you tell him that aggression is okay.

"We all want our children to be self-disciplined but that comes through setting good examples not through endless punishment. The rule is to say no and mean it."

Lynette Burrows, mother of six and author of Good Children, says: "Smacking is the best way to deal with a young child who doesn't understand argument. It's much less harmful than using emotional punishment which can easily escalate and damage a child.

"Spoilt children are dreadful and if you don't smack your child when he's naughty he's likely to be spoilt because you are teaching him he can get away with things.

"It's completely wrong for so-called experts to say they know better than parents. And the problems if this law were passed would be truly horrifying."

Here, TESSA CUNNINGHAM talks to mothers with opposing views.

Nurse Alice Cook has vowed never to raise a hand to her three-year-old son Jay – but she says that doesn't mean she's soft on discipline.

Alice, 39, who lives with husband Mick in London, says: "I would say I'm pretty firm with Jay. I set definite limits on what he can and can't do. He knows when I say no I mean it and I'm not going to give in even if he whines.

"It's much better to reward good behaviour and to teach by example. There are some things I insist on like bedtimes and brushing his teeth and I will not tolerate him hurting other children or drawing on the walls.

"But if he disobeys I don't punish him. I remove him from the situation and explain to him why I think he has behaved badly. For example he used to smack the cat. It never crossed my mind to smack him back.

"Instead whenever he did it I gave the cat a big cuddle. That showed Jay he wasn't going to get any attention by behaving naughtily and after a couple of weeks he stopped doing it.

"I try to keep one step ahead. I've made my home as childproof as I can and don't run round making sure he doesn't break things.

"The child will remember being smacked but not why.

"You may start off with a light slap but if the child keeps doing the same thing the thump will get harder. I definitely believe smacking should be banned.

"Of course he makes me furious but it's wrong to take out your frustrations on your child by hitting him. Instead I leave the room to cool off."

Дата добавления: 2014-12-29