Children and discipline...  

Parenting typically utilizes rewards, praise, and discipline or punishment as tools of behavioral control. Most child development experts now agree that corporal punishment is not an effective behavior modification tool, and many parents have adopted non-physical approaches to child discipline. In some jurisdictions, corporal punishment (e.g., spanking or whipping) has been prohibited by law.

"Attachment parenting" seeks to create strong emotional bonds and avoids physical punishment, with discipline being accomplished through interactions recognizing a child's emotional needs. The term "child training" implies a specific type of parenting that focuses on holistic understanding of the child. The "Taking Children Seriously" philosophy sees both praise and punishment as manipulative and harmful to children and advocates other methods to reach agreement with them.

Parenting fundamentals:
Love
Consistency
Structure
Motivation
Accountability
Discipline:
Time-out
Parental supervision


I do not agree with physical discipline. I went through physical abuse as a child and now today, I am a firm believer that we should not hit our children in any way. I think that if we do take another approach at discipline, we can teach our children respect and proper behavior without the need for physical discipline.

What are your views on child discipline? Do you sometimes find yourself spanking your children or do you take another approach?