Hitting children sometimes leads to injuries like bruises, welts, subdural hematomas, nerve damage, and broken bones.
Hitting destroys self-esteem and trust.
Hitting children transmits a pre-violence attitude.
Hitting children teaches them "might makes right."
Hitting a child for misbehavior means that the caretaker loses an important opportunity for teaching a more appropriate behavior.
Fear is not an effective way of teaching appropriate behavior.
Children who are frequently hit often grow up with memories that full of anger and resentment
Biblical scriptures used to support corporal punishment of children can also be used to justify slavery, suppression of women, incest, and infanticide.
Children are often hit for behavior that is nor "bad," but rather is related to children's need to explore the world and also to nutrition, exercise, attention, and sleep.
Children learn best through teaching, discussing, and observing adults who model responsible, caring, and self-disciplined behavior.
Ten Guidelines for Raising a Well-Behaved Child
Whenever possible, teach rather than punish.
View children's misbehavior as a mistake in judgment.
Whenever possible, connect consequences to misbehavior.
Have behavior rules - but make sure they are few in number and age appropriate.
Make sure that consequences for misbehavior are reasonable and clear.
Don't argue or nag children about rules. If the child breaks a rule, remind them and the consequences for not following the rules.
If your child has many behaviors that concern you don't try to change all of them at once.
Distract infants and toddlers when they are doing something you don't like or remove them for the situation. They do not understand right and wrong and should not be hit or shaken.
Use good manners when talking to children about their behavior. Be a good model for your children in your speech and actions.
Catch your child being good! Your praise or hug will increase appropriate behavior.
