Abstract
Corporal punishment is widely practiced despite evidence of its harm to children. Clinicians can more effectively counsel alternatives if they: are clear in their own minds about the risks of corporal punishment and its boundaries with reportable child maltreatment; appreciate parents' justifications for corporal punishment and offer corresponding alternatives; demonstrate their interest and expertise in matters of child behavior and family dynamics; practice communication techniques that elicit discussion of psychosocial topics and facilitate mutual problem solving; let parents take the lead in tailoring alternative disciplinary strategies to the family's unique needs; start early helping parents understand child behavior in general and their child's temperament and development in particular. Clinicians as a group should demonstrate a united stand against the use of violence within families. Both undergraduate and continuing medical education should involve training in communication skills in general and problem- solving techniques in particular. Pediatricians need more time during their training to learn about child behavior and family dynamics.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 587-593 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pediatrics |
Volume | 94 |
Issue number | 4 II |
State | Published - 1994 |
Keywords
- corporal punishment
- family violence
- parent-child relation
- prevention
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health