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Nonviolent Alternatives

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Shopping the other day, I witnessed a mother being physical with her young child. When many might resort to the idea that's how children must be handled, or others might judge but then look away, I chose not to. I felt compelled to be a voice for the child. For me, it was the right thing to do. I understand how imperfect and challenging parenting can be, and I recognize that we are all doing our best with the knowledge we have at this moment. So, let's continue to spread knowledge!

The Studies:
  1. Being spanked is linked to an increase in mental health issues. (meta-analysis) 
  2. The brain responds to spanking in the same way it responds to severe forms of abuse
  3. Hitting children leads to trauma, not better behavior.
  4. 30 countries have banned corporal punishment in school and at home. These countries have lower rates of teen fighting.
  5. Spanking increases aggression. 
  6. Hitting Children Is Wrong
Three Gentle Alternatives to Spanking:

Determine the Need
Behind almost all undesirable behavior, there is a need. Identifying and helping the need will often solve the behavior. For example, the child is screaming in the store- the behavior. Ask yourself  what the need behind this behavior is. Is the child tired, hungry, sad, or stressed? Does she need a hug, some water, food, or a nap? Did she drop something?

Give Choices
Example: The child is screaming in the store, and you present her with choices, such as, "You can use a quiet voice or you can take a time-out in the restroom. You decide." This gives her a chance to think, which serves as a distraction, but also to garner some control over the situation, which may help lessen her behavior.

Distract
Give the screaming child a banana or a toy. Make a funny face. You can even distract by asking questions like "What do you think? Should I get the red or yellow pepper?" as you hold up the peppers.

Article: 8 Ways to Discipline without Spanking

A few thought-provoking questions:

-If someone hit you right now, what lesson would you learn?
-Since the brain responds to spanking similarly as it does to abuse, if abuse is wrong, why isn't spanking?
-Is it morally permissible to hit a dog?
-Is it morally permissible to hit an elderly person?
-Is it okay to hit my boyfriend or for him to hit me?