encyclopedia of adoption

discipline

The method used by a parent or a caretaker to correct a child's misbehavior.

Although many parents still use mild spankings to punish children subsequent to misdeeds (severe spankings may be considered a form of child abuse), most child developmental experts agree that positive reinforcement, such as deprivation of a toy or withholding of privileges (playing on the computer, watching TV and so forth), are more effective deterrents to future misbehavior.

It's particularly important to consider disciplinary means before adopting a child with SPECIAL NEEDS because the child may have been previously subject to severe physical abuse and thus be unresponsive to even mild spankings.

Most social workers ask prospective adoptive parents about how they would discipline a child. This is to ensure the discipline they envision is appropriate to children or to the particular type of child they are seeking to adopt.

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