The impact of physical punishment on child development has been studied extensively, and the consensus of this research is that violence damages both parent and child. It fails to teach children what to do and yields only a temporary benefit, if that, in teaching them what not to do. I am more than satisfied with the results. I hope and trust that my grandchildren, likewise, will rarely endure punishment of any kind. Some Maxims About Childhood Behavior Children aren t adults, so don t expect them to behave as though they were.
Children learn by doing, so don t expect to approve of everything they do.
It is a rare child whose behavior equals his parents expectations. Children are more likely to do as you do than to do as you say. It is often less important for parents to control their children s behavior than it is for them to control their own. A secure and loving home environment and emotional stability within the family appear to be the major elements in overcoming some of the specific behaviors that concern or displease parents. You can deal successfully with these problems if you refrain from making an issue of them, pay close attention to the emotional needs of your child, make sure that he knows you love him, whatever he does, and exert yourself to make him feel secure.