Parents often feel that if they do not know how or if their discipline fails, there is something the matter with them. This is not so. Successful parents are made, not born. Parenting courses are beginning to emerge as required courses in schools. In addition to learning how to drive a car, at least some students are learning about the nature and development of children.
Punishment is used to hurt, to cause physical or psychological pain.
The theory of punishment is that a child will avoid pain. Therefore, if an act will lead to pain, the child will not commit the act. First of all, we know that there are people who actually seek pain. Second, we all know of children who prefer pain to being ignored. Third, we see many children who quickly become immune to physical pain.