Behaviour Modification: Giving The Boot to Corporal Punishment

Article as it appeared in Tums 2 Tots Online. By Claire Newton

"Spare the rod, spoil the child" and "No hiding equals no discipline" are familiar adages that offer advice with biblical roots – but are no longer treated as gospel. Indeed, there is no hiding from the fact that research proves corporal punishment is not the most effective method of instilling discipline in children. There are two highly effective alternatives to punishment – positive and negative reinforcement.