Child behavior problems were the subject as I watched Dr. Drew’s show on 2/21/12 . It was on child discipline and corporeal punishment. T’was VERY interesting because he had quite a wide spectrum of guests on the show, professional and otherwise, that spoke from different perspectives. It was a reset button for me because I tend to approve of corporeal punishment.

The ‘fact’ that stuck with me though, that I learned from the show, is that when you strike a child, because their brains are still forming, there is a contraction of the brain (I now call this brain training games) that slows the growth of the brain. Not only that, but the reptilian ‘fight or fight’ fear part of the brain gets bigger and the expansive, inspired, thinking part contracts, shrinks!…with every instance of ‘spanking’. Thus, a pattern of low self esteem, depression and underachievement sets in.

There were the usual conversations that spoke to cultural differences and norms and so forth but this brain thing hit me between the eyes! If there ever was a reason to tread lightly with corporeal punishment, this is certainly number 1! There were a few experts on the show that offered their publications as resources for alternatives such as withdrawing something the child wants, etc. We could look into them and many more because they are out there. Different ‘styles’ of advice will appeal to different parents. …but geesh! …their poor little brains… …OUR poor little brains…

Now, I know that most of us adults were spanked (or whipped), as children. Let’s pause for a moment and think about OUR brains. … How much smarter, more relaxed, generally gentle and happier would we have been had our parents had the means/temperament for optimal discipline without inflicting pain? Is that even possible? Would America be the superpower it is today? Would we be part of Russia now or would we have influenced global peace and love? Hmmm…. What do you think?

What are your thoughts on this ‘brain training’?