Tough love versus spanking - a good example

Some countries (e.g., New Zealand) have now legislated to make it illegal to physically punish a child (e.g., spanking, slapping). Even without such legislation, parents are increasingly coming to terms with the very real possibility that it is not proper - that, indeed it may be harmful - to smack children. So, I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of "those moments" which can oftentime drive a parent to feel like giving the brat a belt around the earhole. Tough love is the answer. One method that I have found particularly effective is for me to just take the child out for a car ride.

Amazing as it may sound, this never fails. Whether it's the fact that it takes the child away from the disturbed environment where some upset has occurred, and gives them time to reflect, or whether it's the vibration from the car, or the time away from any distractions such as TV, video games, computer, IPod, etc., I don't know, but it always works. My kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot too.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the same technique.

Happy days.