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Parents, do you find this article interesting?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20081204/sc_livescience/threatofpunishmentworksstudysuggests The article listed above says that new findings suggest that punishments DO work when used in the proper context. What do you think? Do you agree? I do. Thank God, people are finally understanding that punishments do have a place in life. Yes Desmeran, I agree. When used in the proper context, punishment can be a very good thing. As far as "who" is pushing the no punishment thing, I've seen quite a few people here on the parenting board that say punishments don't teach a thing. But they do! They teach that there are consequences for their actions and that at times those consequences are not always pleasant. Anyhow thanks for the great feedback from everyone so far.

Public Comments

1. It's great! Too bad they had to do a whole scientific study to figure out what moms have known all along.
2. I agree - when used in the proper context - which I would assume would mean a proper punishment. I dont see too many people on here pushing not to punish, but on the type of punishment.
3. I'm not sure who suggests that punishments are never appropriate. I haven't seen a country without a criminal justice system, certainly, nor could I really imagine one. I think the key phrase in your question is "when used in the proper context." What to punish for, how to punish, and how to control behavior in alternative ways are all reasonable subjects for debate. You can agree with punishment but not spanking or the death penalty, for example. You can agree with punishment for some types of wrongdoing, but not with punishment for certain types of victimless behavior. And there will always be the situation where people know they're not going to get caught, and there are a lot of studies that show that many people who do something wrong believe that it's highly unlikely that they'll get caught. For those people, the threat of punishment isn't going to be terribly effective. So hopefully we also have other strategies to fall back on that promote pro-social behavior. eta -- but in answer to your title question, yes, I do find it interesting, especially the various experiments supporting the research -- and it's very nice to have some higher level theoretical questions to ponder rather than just "am i pregnant" or "how many children do you have," lol. so thanks for the question and the link. carrie -- well, that's silly. but you came out okay, didn't you? ;-)
4. Yeah I read that. I kind of was thinking Geez I could have saved the government all that money and just told them... DUH! I completely agree with the article. Punishments, when used correctly, have their place as do guiding and mentoring your children. And lillilou, I have seen people pushing the "no punishment" routine. It's call permissive parents. I can't stand that.
5. It's easy for parents to take the 'no punishment route' - They get to be lazy and don't have to feel guilty about punishing the child. Some parents seem to need a fire lit under their backside! I really believe that the parents who care, punish. Yes of course only when punishment is due. It's the only way to instill discipline and respect - especially in a child, who may not understand. It's simple, yet effective, to show them that there are consequences for their actions.
6. ~Great Article~ I totally agree that punishments are a necessary and vital part of society. Without repercussions for bad choices, sadly, not many people would choose to do good instead of doing bad becasue they weren't raised to make good choices. God himself punishes His children. Many times in Bible stories we hear of punishment. One very common story that everyone has heard of is Noah and the ark. What many people may not know is that God sent a flood as a PUNISHMENT. So I definitely agree that punishment has it's place and if done exactly right, it is effective in creating a more harmonious society. ************************** Desmeran, there is a whole group of "green" people who are pushing the no punishment thing. They are usually the same people who never tell a child no because it "stifles their curiosity" and they also believe that you shouldn't "parent lead" but instead allow the child to lead his own life and behaviors. They say you should ignore bad behavior( temper tantrums) instead of correcting it because a child should be allowed to "express his feelings however he wants". They believe that if children want to color the walls, refuse their meals and eat snacks instead and listen to whatever kind of music they like or whatch whatever kind of programs and movies they like, that parents should allow those things and not "interfere". I know this because my own mother is of those beliefs and so are many of her social group. Not a one of them would ever punish a child for a wrong doing because they feel that punishing is controlling and controlling children is wrong. I myself was raised this way.
7. I don't need to read an article to know that Loving Guidance and when Warranted Punishment works....I have 3 Wonderful Teenagers that are Living Proof...Consequences for Actions is Great Deterrent for Unwanted Behavior. Desmeran...Carrie makes a valid point...and I believe she turned out ok In SPITE of being raised that way...Not BECAUSE she was raised that way.
8. Kids need to know with every action there is a reaction... that is how the adult world works and who is going to teach them that if mom and dad don't!! Thanks for the share...I am going to save it so when a "no punishment" crazy person starts up I have a good link for them :)