There's no getting around it. Spanking teaches kids to hit. There is also plenty of evidence that it does not work to dissuade other negative behaviours.
In a recent issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, editor-in-chief John Fletcher calls for the repeal of Section 43 of the Criminal Code that allows a "reasonable" spanking.
We don't think everyone who spanks their child is an evil child abuser. Most do it because they were spanked as children and it's a form of discipline they know and understand. They love their kids. They are quite sincerely trying to raise children who will become responsible adults, who behave in an acceptable and responsible manner. It's a laudable goal, and one we wish all parents focused on.
There are some who argue that without spanking, kids are turning into entitled little brats with no respect for either their parents or other adults. But we believe this is an anachronistic view.
We do not endorse parents failing to discipline their children. We simply think that hitting them is not the best way to do it. There are other discipline methods that have proven to be just as, if not more, effective.
We'll go with the experts on this one.
