Dear Editor
As usual, the negative NDP twists what they call “the research is rock solid” that spanking kids doesn’t work and can be harmful.
Ms. Black carries on to say “ so why should you do that?” Well, Dawn, firstly, nobody is advocating “beatings.” A slap by the hand only on the behind never hurts for long, but it at least sends a message that the parent says the child’s behaviour is not acceptable.
I notice that she doesn’t offer an alternative to a screaming child in a shopping mall, transit etc., and I think I know why. Naysayers often tell us that all you have to do is say calmly, “Johnny, please be quiet, or don’t do that,” and he will. Never seen that happen yet. Have any of you? I am certain that if Ms. Black could offer a detailed reasonably priced proven psychology course for parenting of young children, many would sign up.
Everybody wants a positive alternative if it works. Nobody should want to physically discipline their kids, but real life is not like that, Dawn. But 2,000 years later, the problem persists, so Ms. Black, you are going to have to do better than what you said in your article to achieve a significant progressive change.
Bill Davis, New Westminster
