Spanking

Just read an article about some new research indicating that spanking lowers IQ in children.

I haven't seen the actual research publication, but immediately I am questioning whether or not the researcher controlled for the parents' IQ levels. Specifically, if the parents who spanked had lower IQ levels than those who did not, then is it really the spanking that resulted in lower IQ? Or simply genetics?

Regardless of how true it is, I am hoping that parents who are still choosing to spank, despite all the good reasons not to do so, may find this research compelling enough to change their discipline tactics. I doubt it, but am hopeful.

For a good review on why spanking is not a great way to discipline your children, check out Drawing the Line: Ten Steps to Constructive Discipline--and Achieving a Great Relationship with your Kids by Weiss, Wagner, and Goldberg.