I still maintain that there are other ways to do this that don't involve striking a child, which demeans both their personal integrity & dignity
You see, I think being insulted or called ugly/stupid is similarly demeaning to someone's personal integrity and dignity, but the fact is that they're going to be getting some of that in their life too. I'd rather have a child feel undignified and hurt when they do something bad - those feelings last, and the mental connections last. The physical pain is very transient, but the anticipation of physical pain is a strong deterrent. As is the anticipation of feeling undignified.
These are less painful and less overall damaging tools than psychological sneakiness. They're direct and easily understandable.
I would love to see your suggested alternative in the case above (child running on to the road, thinks it's a game). One that works immediately. One that's reliable.
NOTE: if you are a parent who regularly beats your kids for no reason, then smacking is unlikely to work, because it doesn't send a clear message any more. I'm assuming a parent who only uses smacks when there is a clear and already explained important rule being broken.
Personal Integrity and Dignity
You see, I think being insulted or called ugly/stupid is similarly demeaning to someone's personal integrity and dignity, but the fact is that they're going to be getting some of that in their life too. I'd rather have a child feel undignified and hurt when they do something bad - those feelings last, and the mental connections last. The physical pain is very transient, but the anticipation of physical pain is a strong deterrent. As is the anticipation of feeling undignified.
These are less painful and less overall damaging tools than psychological sneakiness. They're direct and easily understandable.
I would love to see your suggested alternative in the case above (child running on to the road, thinks it's a game). One that works immediately. One that's reliable.
NOTE: if you are a parent who regularly beats your kids for no reason, then smacking is unlikely to work, because it doesn't send a clear message any more. I'm assuming a parent who only uses smacks when there is a clear and already explained important rule being broken.