Is smacking really harmless if you grew up with it? A new Australian study reveals just how many parents still believe physical punishment is acceptable, even when it involves hitting a child with a wooden spoon or across the face.

Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind smacking, challenge the familiar "I turned out fine" argument and explain why physical punishment doesn't teach children the lessons parents hope it will. More importantly, they share a better way to handle challenging behaviour without hurting your child.

KEY POINTS


What a new Australian study reveals about attitudes towards smacking.


Why "I turned out fine" isn't proof that physical punishment is harmless.


What six decades of research tell us about smacking and children's behaviour.


The links between physical punishment, aggression and mental health struggles.


Why smacking may achieve short-term compliance but doesn't create lasting change.


How to use problem-solving conversations to teach better behaviour.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Discipline not as an opportunity to hurt our child, but an opportunity to help our child."

RESOURCES MENTIONED


The Fallacy of the 'I Turned Out Fine' Argument The New York Times article by Justin Coulson


Parenting books, articles and free podcast resources at happyfamilies.com.au.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS


Notice when you're reaching for punishment out of frustration.


Wait until everyone is calm before addressing challenging behaviour.


Talk with your child about what went wrong and how to prevent it happening again.


Give your child a chance to help create family rules and solutions.


Focus on teaching the behaviour you want to see, rather than punishing the behaviour you don't.

Is smacking really harmless if you grew up with it? A new Australian study reveals just how many parents still believe physical punishment is acceptable, even when it involves hitting a child with a wooden spoon or across the face.
Justin and Kylie unpack the research behind smacking, challenge the familiar "I turned out fine" argument and explain why physical punishment doesn't teach children the lessons parents hope it will. More importantly, they share a better way to handle challenging behaviour without hurting your child.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
What a new Australian study reveals about attitudes towards smacking.
</li>
<li>
Why "I turned out fine" isn't proof that physical punishment is harmless.
</li>
<li>
What six decades of research tell us about smacking and children's behaviour.
</li>
<li>
The links between physical punishment, aggression and mental health struggles.
</li>
<li>
Why smacking may achieve short-term compliance but doesn't create lasting change.
</li>
<li>
How to use problem-solving conversations to teach better behaviour.
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"Discipline not as an opportunity to hurt our child, but an opportunity to help our child."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/27/well/family/the-fallacy-of-the-i-turned-out-fine-argument.html" data-ved="2ahUKEwjb59y-s-qXAxW8rVYBHQqMJPIQFnoECB0QAQ">The Fallacy of the 'I Turned Out Fine' Argument</a>&nbsp;The New York Times article by Justin Coulson
</li>
<li>
Parenting books, articles and free podcast resources at <a href="happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a>.
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Notice when you're reaching for punishment out of frustration.
</li>
<li>
Wait until everyone is calm before addressing challenging behaviour.
</li>
<li>
Talk with your child about what went wrong and how to prevent it happening again.
</li>
<li>
Give your child a chance to help create family rules and solutions.
</li>
<li>
Focus on teaching the behaviour you want to see, rather than punishing the behaviour you don't.
</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Why Smacking Doesn't Work and What Parents Should Do Instead

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/802f3715-a797-448e-9e52-b4ea00546a45/transcript