GUIDANCE FOR EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE

When advising families about discipline strategies, pediatricians shou ld use a comprehensive approach that includes consideration of the par ent-child relationship, reinforcement of desired behaviors, and conseq uences for negative behaviors. Corporal punishment is of limited effec tiveness and has potentially deleterious side effects. The American Ac ademy of Pediatrics recommends that parents be encouraged and assisted in the development of methods other than spanking for managing undesi red behavior.