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RADIO: Some Painful Truths (Ouch!) About Spanking

Posted July 23, 2012 by jimhigley

Did you know that over 30 countries worldwide have laws making illegal for parents to spank their children?

Would you be surprised that it’s estimated that 90% of U.S. parents resort to spanking as a means to discipline their kids?

Today, we explore the great spanking debate - although some suggest there really isn’t a debate to be had since the reasoning for NOT spanking is well documented. Our guest today is Dr. Fran Walfish – one of the country’s leading experts on the topic. Dr. Walfish is a child and family therapist based in Beverly Hills. She shares her wisdom on television shows including The Doctors and NBC Nightly News as well as print publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Parents Magazine.

On today’s show we’ll discuss:

• The long-term implications to our children of being spanked (even occasionally!)
• Why people who have the attitude “I was spanked and I turned out fine” is somewhat like condoning the playing of Russian Roulette
• Why spanking does not get the long term impact of changed behavior parents desire
• Alternatives to spanking – Great suggestions for disciplining your children

So pull up a chair. I promise you’ll enjoy the chat.

The above link takes you to the home of Bobblehead Dad Radio on WebTalk Radio. If for any reason it doesn’t work, you can also use the link below to listen to the same show!

  • http://twitter.com/davidpgriffiths David Griffiths ADE

    I agree that spanking or any sort of violence towards children does not lead to anything positive. however I would question the therapists advice on the non- negotiation part with something fairly trivial like TV and bath time. I find that negotiating a decision helps considerably with teaching your child that she does have some control over her own life and also will lead to her accepting the things that really are non-negotiable. It seemed that many of the things that the therapist was saying were about controlling your child rather than working with your child.

    • jimhigley

      Great comment. As I think about this, I negotiated a lot with my kids. And the little negotiation is fine. You’re right…you don’t have to always win or control. Life is a lot of negotiation so why not teach your kids how to negotiate well. Thanks for your comment….