If you try to look "spanking" up in the dictionary, the definition would be something like: a form of corporal punishment used for disciplining toddlers, children or teenagers. What it the dictionary will not tell you though is how spanking will result to humiliation and anger on the child's part.

If you try to look "spanking" up in the dictionary, the definition would be something like: a form of corporal punishment used for disciplining toddlers, children or teenagers. What it the dictionary will not tell you though is how spanking will result to humiliation and anger on the child's part.

Spanking was the chosen method by so many parents for the longest time. It is carried out by using the hand or an implement for causing temporary pain on the child's buttocks. As time went by though, studies conducted by experts have found out that spanking only hurts the child (both emotional and physical) and does not necessarily teach the child the lesson parents are trying to convey.

Here are some alternatives parents can use instead of spanking.

Natural Consequences. This is a method I often use when my child was still young. Spanking may be hurting to a child, but it's stressful to parents as well. Using natural consequences takes the stress out of disciplining since parents just have to let things take its course. For instance, if your child left his toys outside after playing, don't pick it up. If it gets lost or ruined, your child learns that he needs to pick up after his toys.

Logical consequences are an alternative to natural consequences. This is used when there are no natural consequences to the child's behavior or if the natural consequence is dangerous. There are different ways to carry out logical consequences. Some parents choose to give their kids additional chores for misbehaving while some takes away a privilege such as not allowing the child to watch his favorite show.

Positive discipline - parents need to use a positive approach when disciplining, and this is where positive disciplining comes in. Prevent from using words such as "no" or "don't". Instead of using "don't scream when you need something" say "calmly tell me when you need something".