Parents, psychologists, and educators have not come to the consensus as to the efficiency of spanking and its consequences. Overall, this issue has always been a subject of a heated debate. It seems that the most prudent approach to this problem is to differentiate between corporal punishment and child abuse. Secondly, it is of the crucial importance to keep the sense of proportion while resorting to such method of education. Under certain conditions, spanking may quite acceptable, especially if improves the childs behavior and what is more important does not hurt his or her feelings. The thing is that the sometimes punishment may transform into humiliation, which, undoubtedly can have only adverse impact on the childs development but one cannot say that spanking (or corporal punishment) is totally inadmissible.
Traditionally, it is believed that such form of corporal punishment may have rather detrimental effects on the childs developments. For example, according to Patricia Farrell, spanking eventually leads to aggressive behavior, especially, as far as long-term effects are concerned (Farrell, 13). At first glance, it may seem that this argument is quite grounded, because very often spanking may transform into child abuse, which makes the child habituated to violence and aggression. Nonetheless, in this particular case, we should make a clear distinction between domestic violence and corporal punishment. Naturally, when a child is turned into a scapegoat, with time passing he or she will become aggressive, but punishment is aimed at improving his or her welfare. The parents should make the child understand that such measures are for his own sake. The major mistake that parents or even educators so often commit is that they punish the child without giving any reason for it. Partly, this is the reason why spanking is so often regarded as something backwards (Gayla,2007). In my opinion, people so often confuse such notions as education and violence. In this case, it has to be admitted that Patricia Farrell makes the right point, but it is impermissible to say that spanking can do only harm.
Another point, made by Patricia Farrell is that such corporal punishment results in erosion of child-parent relationships (Farrell). It stands to reason that abusive parents can easily turn their off springs into enemies. Nevertheless, one may raise an objection to the argument, which the author puts forward. Every person, has once been spanked by the parents but it does not mean that he or she will rebel against them. Probably, the efficiency (or inefficiency) of this method greatly depends upon the parent. It is often argued that there can never be much agreement in the families if corporal punishment is excessively used. Of course, if a person, responsible for the childs education employs only compulsion, an infant is almost bound to act against his will. One should take into account that the main method of education is persuasion; spanking must be used only when persuasion fails (Porter, 1989). It seems that the main problem is that a great number of people are entirely unable to persuade, and thus they prefer corporal punishment, making their children prone to violence.
In addition to that, Patricia Farrell states that those parents, who spank their children, will not be able to cope with their off springs in teen years because corporal punishment will not be efficient. Such scenario is very likely to become true if they resort only to compulsion, punishment or threats. There are many examples, substantiating this argument. Yet, it should into consideration that a parent, who can skillfully alternate compulsion and persuasion, will not have any problems with the teenager.
Patricia Farrell also says that spanking makes the child unable to cope with frustrations. From her standpoint, he or she will prefer aggressive or even violent ways of solving the problems. Again, it should be mentioned that a great number or people were at least once punished or spanked in their childhood but only very few of them use violence. Patricia Farrell believes that an infant who is spanked, will not be able to interact with his or her coevals. It can be quite possible if parents make him leave in the atmosphere of constant fear, but in this case, it would be better for us speak about child abuse or domestic violence but not about punishment.
Therefore, it is quite possible for us to arrive at that conclusion that on certain occasions spanking as a method of education and a form of corporal punishment may be appropriate. A parent or legal guardian must bear in mind that a child should be well aware of why he or she is being punished. Secondly, it is always necessary to keep the sense of proportion; such method of influence must never humiliate the child. As regards the views, expressed by Patricia Farrell, it should be pointed out that the scholar is most speaking about domestic violence or child abuse, but not about corporal punishments. It seems that there is a vast difference between these two notions.
Bibliography
David Porter (1999) spanking can be the right thing to do. Web.
Gayla (2007) Is spanking acceptable? Web.
Patricia A. Farrell (2002) Punch That Toddler: New Rules Of Parenthood? Vol. 42, Issue. 11; pg. 13.