POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 91 The first few years of a child's life are the most important for healthy growth and development. Young children need safety, security and lots of love to feel good about themselves and to care about others. This is easy when children are doing what we want them to do. But what about when they don't do what we want them to do? Parents often feel unsure about how to handle their child's behaviour. Most parents feel like spanking their children at times. This pamphlet explains why spanking actually doesn't work. And it gives some tips on how to effectively discipline children without spanking. Discipline doesn't begin until children are old enough to understand it. Babies don't need discipline. Never shake or spank a baby. What is Discipline? All children need guidance from their parents, including on how we want them to behave. This guidance is what we call "discipline." Children need time to learn what they should do and should not do. They learn by watching their parents and others, by hearing clear instructions - "Toys go back on the shelf" - and by getting praise and encouragement for their efforts. Discipline teaches children responsibility, selfcontrol, and right from wrong. It raises the child's self-esteem, encourages the child to do better, and strengthens the parent-child bond. Why Doesn't Spanking Work? Spanking is not an effective form of discipline, even though some people may think it is. Spanking can lead to anger and resentment and can cause children to lose trust in their parents. Spanking teaches that hitting others is okay. In the long run, spanking makes children's behaviour worse, not better. Never spank! It simply doesn't work - for the child or the parent. What Does Work? What works is to build your child's confidence and problem-solving skills. It is important to figure out the reasons for your child's behaviour such as: • boredom • restlessness • fear • tiredness • lack of words for feelings • illness • hunger • misunderstanding • physical pain • frustration • discouragement • sudden interruption of an activity When you understand the reason for your child's behaviour, it may be easier to handle the situation without losing your temper. Here are some tips for common situations: Toddlers want to touch everything. It's how they get to know the world. Slapping a child's hand teaches him to fear his world, not to explore and understand it. The use of timeout is not appropriate for children under two. WHAT'S WRONG WITH SPANKING? Public Health Agency of Canada Agence de la santé publique du Canada continued...
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