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Like many individuals from Generation X, I experienced spanking during my childhood. While it wasn’t frequent or severe, my parents always followed up with a calm discussion about the behavior that led to the spanking. It seemed that nearly everyone I knew had a similar experience, though some friends faced what could be described as “beatings” for their misbehavior. I accepted this method of discipline as an appropriate way to correct a child’s behavior.
When I became a parent, I began exploring alternative disciplinary methods through parenting books. However, I was so entrenched in the belief that spanking was sometimes necessary that I dismissed the advice offered by experts. I thought that professionals were overly cautious about discussing spanking, fearing that some parents might confuse it with more abusive forms of punishment.
Recent research, however, challenges this belief. Dr. Mia Chen, a licensed psychologist and school psychologist, shared insights from a recent Harvard study on spanking. “Spanking alters how a child’s brain develops from a very young age,” Dr. Chen explained in an interview. “It can make their brain resemble that of children who have experienced severe abuse.”
The Harvard study evaluated children aged 10 and 11, comparing those who had been spanked—ranging from occasional to frequent—with those who had never received spankings. Although the study excluded cases of severe abuse, researchers used existing data to compare brain scan results. Each child underwent MRI scans while viewing images of actors displaying “fearful” and “neutral” expressions.
The findings revealed that all children exhibited increased brain activity when shown fearful faces compared to neutral ones. However, the spanked children displayed a heightened response to fearful faces and a diminished reaction to neutral ones. Alarmingly, Dr. Chen noted that the differences in brain activation between the spanked children and those who had been abused were minimal.
As my son entered toddlerhood and began showing signs of ADHD, my confidence in spanking as an effective discipline waned. I realized his behavior stemmed from impulse control issues rather than defiance. How could I justify punishing him for something he couldn’t control? Instead of teaching him valuable lessons, I worried that spanking would only instill fear and avoidance tactics in him.
I gradually shifted away from spanking and explored alternative disciplinary methods like time-outs, therapy, and open communication. Dr. Chen elaborated on the negative consequences of spanking, stating, “Children who are spanked are less likely to trust their caregivers and might hide their misbehavior to avoid punishment. They often change their behavior not because they understand the impact of their actions, but simply to avoid getting in trouble.”
This sentiment resonated with my experiences as I observed my son becoming increasingly adept at hiding his misbehavior rather than learning from it. For many parents, spanking is passed down through generations and is often seen as a cultural norm. Dr. Chen emphasized the distinction between cultural practices and generational trauma, noting that what may be deemed cultural can actually stem from historical oppression.
For instance, my children’s father, who is of Peruvian descent, experienced a harsher form of spanking than I did. His mother has since expressed regret for using spanking as a disciplinary method and wishes to break the cycle for her grandchildren. Dr. Chen stresses that just because we experienced certain practices doesn’t mean we should perpetuate them with our children. “It’s not culture; it’s trauma,” she stated.
In predominantly white communities, spanking may be normalized and even encouraged by religious beliefs. However, most parents’ intentions are not to harm but to guide their children using the tools they learned in their own upbringing. Thankfully, it’s never too late to make informed changes as parents. After I abandoned spanking, I noticed a significant improvement in my relationship with my son. I believe his decision-making skills have developed more positively without the reliance on spanking.
Dr. Chen’s conclusion is clear: “Knowing that even mild spanking could lead to brain patterns similar to those of abused children? It’s simply not worth it.”
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In summary, the research demonstrates that spanking can have harmful effects on a child’s brain development and behavior. Parents are encouraged to seek alternative disciplinary methods that foster trust and understanding rather than fear. Changing our approach to discipline can lead to healthier relationships and better developmental outcomes for our children.
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