How to Span Young Children Safely

Choose spanking only when you have tried all other options. Spanking should only be a last resort, after you have applied non-striking punishments such as removing the child from the situation, forcing him to stand still, or stripping privileges. Before saying you will spank your child, feel positive about your decision.

• Spanking is illegal in many developed countries. Even if it’s legal in your country, it’s possible that the authorities prohibit it.
• Many people see spanking a child as abusive, especially when you hit hard. Do not hit hard, use other objects, or leave bruises on the child’s body. People around can report to the child welfare association if concerned about your child’s actions.
• Find out more ways to discipline children without spanking. ^[6]

Learn about research on the consequences of spanking children. Many new studies conducted over a long period of time show that spanking makes children behave worse instead of better. After being spanked, children may feel rejected, resentful, and unloved. Instead of learning how to behave, children will find a way to do something stealthily. ^[7] Children who are spanked, or subjected to physical punishment, are more likely to experience some of the following problems: ^{[8] [9] [10] [11]}

• The amount of gray matter in the brain decreases
• Having difficulty in studying
• Having mental health problems like anxiety and depression
• Abuse of drugs or alcohol
• Don’t trust others
• Spouse abuse
• Committing crimes while growing up
• Has a low lifespan

Span the child in private. Spanking a child in front of others, especially friends or siblings, can be extremely embarrassing. This act creates resentment in the child and does not help the child learn how to improve the behavior. Privacy should come first when you choose to spank your child’s bare bottom.

• Spanking was already a severe punishment. You certainly don’t want to make things worse by making your child feel humiliated in front of others.

Warn that the child will be spanked if he does something. Your child may be upset, angry, resentful, worried, or even scared. You need to understand these reactions, even if you are sure of your decision.

• It’s perfectly normal for children to cry before, during, and after being spanked, and should not be punished for it.
• Try giving a final warning, like, “If you don’t stop grabbing your hair by the time I count to zero, you’ll be spanked.” This can cause children to stop what they are doing.

Strike with bare hands and without the use of other tools. Do not use other objects because this can be dangerous for children.

• If you feel out of control, leave the room and don’t spank your child right now.

Remove the ring from your hand. Rings can be painful for your child and dangerous to your hands. You certainly don’t want to get in the way of hitting your child or causing him pain. Also, take everything out of your pocket so your baby won’t be uncomfortable lying on your lap.

Have your child bend over on your knees. Sit down and have your baby lie face down on your lap. You can pull down your child’s pants and/or underwear, if you wish to do so. The next step is to ask the child to lie still, not get up, and let you know when he is ready.

• If you choose to spank your child’s bare bottom, remember that while this helps you see the impact and avoid going over the edge, your child’s bottom is not covered and this can make some children feel uncomfortable. shy. If you find it difficult to lightly hit your child’s bare bottom, or if he feels embarrassed, hit him while he’s still wearing his pants.

Relax your hands and all limbs, with one hand on the child’s back and the other on the bottom. Make sure the child does not wiggle and that the child’s legs do not swing.

• Do not say anything while you spank the child. You’ll talk to the child after the spanking is over – don’t mind it for now.

Pat the child’s bottom gently and do not hit hard. You don’t need to use force to successfully discipline a child, and hitting too hard can lead to trauma or psychological damage. Furthermore, the symbolism of the action is as important as the sensation of pain it causes.

• To avoid injury, you should keep a safe distance from your baby’s genitals, tailbone, and kidneys.
• The spanking should not last more than 15 seconds.
• Preferably, the spanking should be mildly throbbing rather than painful; Therefore, you need to listen to the child’s feedback so as not to hit him too hard. You should also pay attention to the marks left on the baby’s bottom; if you choose to hit the bare butt: do not leave any marks other than a temporary slight redness. If you spank your child this way, pull up his pants and panties right after.