Dear Editor
In his letter to the editor (June 24, 2015) Mr. Davis suggests that everyone wants a positive alternative to physical punishment of children but that is not realistic. I would suggest that it is absolutely realistic if parents just set about to offer positive disciplinary tactics.
In fact, there are thousands of kids who were raised right here in New Westminster who were never hit and they are wonderful, self-disciplined and successful adults.
There are books and courses to help parents learn how to discipline children in ways that are non-violent but effective. Kids do need discipline, and hitting is not discipline.
The research is clear as Ms. Black says. Hitting kids always carries with it a risk factor. The risks include, aggressive behaviour, poor child mental health, weaker internalization of moral standards and delinquency.
Kathy Lynn, chair, Corinne’s Quest: End Physical Punishment of Children
