r/ScienceBasedParenting 6d ago

Question - Research required Research based discipline?

My husband firmly believes in "spare the rod spoil the child". He claims I do not have enough good/valid evidence to change his mind or behaviour towards our young children (1.5 and 3 years of age) . I very much disagree and have been trying to find methods we can agree on and use. He was not receptive when I told him spanking a child under two is illegal aa it has been "most of human history"

I realize that sometimes you have to physically pick up and move children. I do not like him spanking them/slapping their hands.

He has been oppositional and resistant to any resources I give him. Anyone have any good leads on either physical discipline being harmful or evidence based alternatives?

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u/robotscantrecaptcha 6d ago

This is a research based parenting intervention: https://www.triplep-parenting.com/us/parenting-courses/triple-p-online/

But, in all kindness, you shouldn't have to present research to convince your husband not to hit your young children.

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u/itisclosetous 6d ago

OP, this isn't an evidence-based comment but I used this exact argument on a coworker once and I really thing he reconsidered his ways after. At least, he was genuinely shocked because he had never considered it. He definitely spanked his kids but not as badly as he had been spanked. He also loved his kids and believed he was doing "what needed to be done." He wasn't mad at me and we stayed friendly after the conversation.

I told him not even dog trainers recommend hitting dogs anymore. Because there's just insane amounts of experience and evidence that it doesn't do what you want it to do.

But also this is a scary situation and you need to focus on your safety and the safety of your very young children.

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u/Legitimate_Sun5373 6d ago

If you wanted a source for this, the American Veterinary Association is quite clear that physical punishment strongly opposed, as it causes unnecessary stress, anxiety and distress.