Does spanking make aggressive kids?

Swatting your kid on the behind for bad behavior may lead to a more aggressive child in the long run, according to a new study appearing in the May issue of Pediatrics Magazine.

According to the survey, data examined by researchers at Tulane University showed children who were repeatedly spanked were twice as likely to be aggressive at age 5. The connection between spanking and aggression remained strong even after controlling for factors including neglect, violence between parents and the mother’s use of drugs or alcohol.

I’ve only spanked my daughter once, and I instantly felt bad for having done it.

I think I mostly felt bad because I did it in a moment of frustration, and the spanking was not part of any sort of any cohesive parenting philosophy or discipline method. Before anyone jumps all over me, let me assure you that I understand that I violated the two cardinal rules of spanking: being in control while spanking and never spanking out of anger.

I knew that spanking was not for me the minute I spanked her and she looked at me like, “Why would you do that?” I haven’t spanked her since, opting instead for discipline more focus on natural consequences.

I know spanking works well for other parents, and that’s just fine with me as long as the parents are always in control of their emotions. I also think spanking isn’t going to necessarily mess up your kids if it’s used judiciously and as part of a bigger parenting philosophy.

Do you think there is a clear link between a child’s aggression and being spanked as a toddler? What are the benefits of spanking, and how is it used in your home?