[Image: Parent disciplining child]Child Care Corner News Article
Submitted By - Jane B. Jones
Extension Agent (Family &Consumer Science)
LSU AgCenter
Most young children respond well to physical action when you need to discipline them. You can get their attention by placing yourself at their level and talking to them. Look into their eyes and use your hands to form blinders on them encouraging them to focus on what you are saying. Use a calm tone and state exactly what you expect. Touching them on the arm, putting your hand on their shoulder, taking them by the hand, picking them up and holding or restraining them are all appropriate physical actions.
Spanking will also get their attention, but it does not result in good behavior. Usually spanking upsets them so much that they cannot listen to the explanation of how they should behave. It is hard to reason with a screaming, crying child!
Adults who slap a toddler’s hand often are surprised to find the toddler slapping back or even slapping and hitting others. Studies show that children who experience or witness a lot of spanking, slapping or hitting are much more likely to become aggressive themselves. Children who are bullied by other children often respond by bullying others.
It is not acceptable for a child care provider to punish a child by slapping, hitting or spanking. Pinching, punching or shaking a child are also inappropriate. Any of these actions can result in injury and may be in violation of state child abuse protection laws. You could be liable for damage and injury claims.
Sometimes parents give child care providers permission to punish children physically. They may encourage them to spank, slap or even bite their child. Providers should remember that it is NEVER OK to physically hurt a child. Child care providers are in the business to protect and care for children not hurt them.
Most providers find it more successful to focus on teaching a child what to do rather than what not to do. It may help to think of behavior problems as an opportunity to teach children new skills.
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