SMACKING TO BE BANNED IN S.A. SOON

I am absolutely thrilled the S.A. government proposes to ban the smacking of children.Too often I see beautiful, well educated, sophisticated mothers smack their children for being irritating. The children are usually tired, not following instructions, or showing aggressive behaviour.These same moms would never consider smacking another adult, and would be horrified if anyone smacked them. They also know that if they did smack another adult, they could be arrested, thrown in jail, and have to explain themselves in front of a magistrate. Smacking an adult is called assault and is punishable by law.Most of us are able to show self control and restraint daily with many irritating people, yet lose control with our precious children. Research shows smacking doesn't change children's negative behaviour.Smacking does encourage aggressive behaviour in children by perpetuating the cycle of violence, which is already an epidemic in S.A.Smacking also lowers children's self-esteem and IQ, and stunts their problem solving abilities. Smacking is one of the options parents choose to discipline their children usually because it is the option most familiar to them. However, now that we know smacking doesn't work, why not try other options, and take the first step in curbing violence in S.A.Next time...... options that really work!