Building a Safe and Healthy America: Eliminating Corporal Punishment via Positive Parenting

J Pediatr Health Care. 2020 Mar-Apr;34(2):136-144. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.09.008. Epub 2019 Dec 11.

Abstract

corporal punishment (CP) is associated with negative short-term and long-term children outcomes. However, many caregivers continue to administer spankings and other forms of CP. Pediatric nurse practitioners are in a unique position to affect change in parental behavior related to CP use and other parenting practices. This article will summarize the research on the dangers of CP and the corresponding benefits of positive parenting. It defines positive parenting and offers resources pediatric health care providers, including pediatric nurse practitioners, can use to educate both themselves and caregivers about specific discipline techniques appropriate to each developmental stage. Finally, it suggests practice strategies pediatric nurse practitioners can use to help caregivers replace CP and other harsh parenting practices with positive parenting to build a safe and healthy America.

Keywords: Corporal punishment; discipline; positive parenting.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse / prevention & control
  • Child Abuse / psychology
  • Child Health
  • Education, Nonprofessional / methods
  • Humans
  • Parenting*
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
  • Punishment* / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • United States