Ages 1 to 5Strong research
Calm discipline, no smacking
Praise what they did right. Short time-outs. Same rules from grandparents.
Why It Matters (Clinical Guidance)
- Smacking is linked to worse behaviour and no benefit.
- Specific praise works better than general praise.
- Agree the rules with grandparents too.
Respectful Message for Elders & Family
Send on WhatsApp“Maa, the doctors say smacking makes children's behaviour worse over time. We are trying calm time-outs and praise instead. Can we all follow the same rules?”
Primary Citation: Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor 2016 (75 studies)
Last checked: October 2026 • Medical review panel forming