To smack or not to smack? (From Watford Observer)

To smack or not to smack?

10:15am Friday 10th February 2012

• Print
• Email

Is it ever ok to chastise your child by smacking them, ‘even mildly’? Doesn’t it show a total loss of control? What happens when the child gets older and tries to smack back in self-defence / anger. What if the child has younger siblings and tries to chastise them in the same way. Or maybe he tries the same at school when his friends annoy him.

We all have frustrations, we all get stressed and we all have different pressures across all sections of society. If we cannot find the time and patience to discipline our children in the ’non violent’ way then there’s a problem and help is needed. Help is not expensive in terms of cash or time, it’s everywhere. Switch on your TV and watch as many ‘super nanny’ programs as you want, pick up a book from the local library or phone a helpline. Smacking is reactionary aggression and absolutely pointless. Wouldn’t you prefer your child to behave well because they know it’s the right thing to do rather than because they fear your hand?

Some say they don’t smack in the moment therefore it’s not loss of control. They smack when all is calm…… Enough said.

Best regards Harjit Sarang

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here