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Spanking sets the example that it is okay to hit when a person is displeased or upset. Thre are alternatives to spanking your child when they are not behaving. These methods of disciplining are more effective in getting the point across on why certain behaviors are unacceptable, and they do no demean a child in any way.
When a child is not behaving in an acceptable manner they can be removed form the situation and introduced to a different activity. They could be misbehaving out of boredom, and getting them interested in something new can stop the problem.
Preshool age children should still be taking a nap in the afternoon. Misbehavior is sometimes brought on by tiredness, and after a nap the child often wakes up with a new attitude. Yelling and screaming at the child causes them to tune out, and children become immune to constant nagging and screaming. This does not help the parent's sanity nor does it do anything but se a bad example for the child. They will learn to deal with other people by being loud and demanding. A good nap for the parent as well as the child often solves bad behavior.
Placing a child in timeout is an old but effective method of punishment. Find one spot in your home that will be free from any type of entertainment. Sitting and watching television or having some other form of entertainment is not a punishment. A good rule of thumb is to put a child in timeout a minute for every year of their age. A wind up timer is good for this. That way if you become distracted and forget, the child will not be sitting in timeout for longer than they are suppose to. Giving a couple of warings for bad behavior is fine, but never acting on the threat of a timeout will let the child know you will not act on their bad behavior. Consistency is the key to effective discipline.
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