Congratulations to the New Zealand legislators who have just legislated against the use of corporal punishment by parents. Smacking, spanking and physical force as punishment has been banned. This is obviously very controversial as well as difficult to enforce. Many parents argue that this akin to the government holding one hand behind their back when they are trying to exert a sense of control over their children. The argument about such legislation taking away parental rights is a flimsy one in this day and age.

Many parents tell me that they have smacked or spanked their children at some stage however it was not something they were proud of or felt good about. They felt frustrated or annoyed by their child’s poor behaviour so smacking was a type of release. Without getting sanctimonious about it discipline needs to be considered and controlled if it is to be effective. If parents smack their children when in a considered way or when they are in control of their emotions then they are sending an interesting message to their children – it is okay to use physical force if you are big enough and old enough and have the power.

I think discipline needs to reflect the times in which we live. In a civil society we don’t accept physical force as a way of resolving problems and conflict between adults so why should it be any different when managing the youngest members of our society. Smacking also shows lack of skill at dealing with children when they misbehave. That is my opinion!

What are your thoughts on the notion of smacking and spanking?