Learning From Adrian Peterson: The Difference Between Spanking and Abuse

The arrest of football player Adrian Peterson for child abuse has sparked a national discussion on the merits of spanking. What is missing from this debate is that there is a difference between spanking and abuse and we need to figure out how to discipline differently.

To Hit or Not to Hit: Why Spanking Children Isn’t a Good Disciplinary Strategy

Despite being used by parents for decades, research has shown that spanking children is not a good disciplinary strategy. Not only does it have negative outcomes for children but it is not even very effective.

Disciplining Children – Spanking and Physical Abuse

You may have heard about the 7 minute video of a family court judge from Texas spanking (beating) his then 16-year-old daughter with a belt. The incident occurred seven years ago when the daughter, knowing such a beating was coming, secretly taped it.