Bloke (Expat in China)

Hitting your child teaches them a few things:

1- Violence is a solution

2- I'm not mature or intelligent enough to handle this situation

3- Doing what people tell you to do because they are stronger is acceptable

4- Discussing emotions and talking through a difficult situation is beyond me

There are so many disciplinary methods parents can use that are more effective in the long run. I could say "I was never hit and I was a well behaved child," but using an individual as an example isn't really a strong argument. There have been more and more studies in recent years that have shown spanking to cause more aggression and emotional dysfunction in children throughout their life.

Building closer emotional bonds, communicating feelings, rewarding desirable behavior, growing a sense of trust during difficult times rather than driving a wedge between parent and child, and many other methods can build discipline, respect and long-lasting positive social behavior.