Parents Shouldn't Spank Their Children

Parents Shouldn't Spank Their Children

The idea that parents should spank their children is getting more support among some psychologists, but some parenting experts think it's still a bad move.

"It has been a topic of debate for decades, but the pendulum in 'pop psychology' is swinging back to being in favor of spanking and that concerns me," says Dr. Roni Leiderman, director of the Family Center at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She also is the moderator for America Online's "Parent Trap."

Leiderman notes that parents were told not to spank during the 1970s by parenting theorists, but some psychologists today are telling parents they should be spanking their children. She is not in favor of spanking.

"Parents often spank because it's a quick fix. It temporarily stops the behavior, but all it teaches children is to be fearful of the authority figure which is the parent," says Leiderman. "Spanking often humiliates a child and sometimes encourages retaliation in older children."

Dr. Leiderman is a developmental psychologist. She has designed and implemented early childhood programs and training programs for children, parents and professionals for the past 25 years. She hosts a radio show, "Positive Parenting," on WLRN in Miami, FL, and has organized several parent-support groups at Nova Southeastern University.

Editors & Reporters: You might find her a useful source for stories relating to spanking or a myriad of other parenting or child development topics. You may recall several parents were charged with child abuse or assault in the past year for spanking their children. She works well with the media and returns calls quickly. The best way to reach her is at 954-262-6900 (office).