In some parts of the world, certain disciplining techniques are severely frowned upon whereas in other parts, those same techniques are the go-tos. It goes without saying that physical disciplining techniques are the culprit here.
While research has found that children are likely to become well adjusted as adults if their parents are firm in disciplining them, it is important to note that this refers to the traditional style of parenting which is authoritative, not authoritarian. This is because the authoritative style of parenting involved setting high expectations of children but leveraging that with positive reinforcement, sensitivity and warmth, and appropriate support.
Some people believe that smacking children is hypocritical behavior as it contradicts a parent’s discipline and behavior against hitting others.
Research has also found that smacking children may result in a larger risk of manifestations of aggression, hyperactivity, and delinquency in children. Physical disciplining has been shown to lead to negative psychosocial outcomes in children, highlighting concerns about the psychological adjustment of children who may have experienced being smacked.
Regardless of whether hitting a child comes from a ‘good place’ on the parents’ part, researchers say that hitting children is an uncontrolled reaction that is regretted as soon as it is done and negates the perception of the parent as the warm and protective figure. It is recommended to discipline children using other methods, which may be less painful and more effective in communicating intentions.
Children who have experienced being smacked by parents say that it does not impact their tendency to do a negative behavior; it only makes them feel upset.
Here are some of the culturally specific disciplining habits and beliefs around the world:
France
America
Japan
Puerto Rico
