Title: The Impact of Punishment on Children and Adults

Directions:
Background
We often hear adults say things like, “Spanking isn’t the same as beating a child. How else are they going to learn if they aren’t spanked?” or “I was spanked, and I’m fine.”
We never seem to stop and ask ourselves why it is acceptable to hit children when they behave in ways we do not like or think are inappropriate. Why is it that children are the only people in our society where this is considered acceptable?
Note: This discussion may bring up personal emotional experiences as you reflect on your childhood. We encourage you to share honestly and openly as you explore how punishment influences development. If you are uncomfortable sharing specific information, you are not required to do so. Please talk one-on-one with your instructor if you have concerns about this discussion.
Initial Post
In your initial post, address the following prompts and/or questions based on your reading this week about the damage that punishment does to children. Select one of the following sets of questions to respond to.
Questions A:
As a child, how did you feel when you were punished?
How do you feel it has impacted your adult life?
What are some things you struggle with today? (Anxiety, trust issues, depression, attention issues, etc.)
Questions B:
How have you felt when you saw a child being punished when you were out in the community?
In what ways do you feel that punishment might impact the child’s future as an adult? What things might they struggle with as an adult?
Questions C:
How have you felt when you have seen a family member or friend punish children?
Again, in what ways do you feel that punishment might impact the child’s future as an adult?
What things might they struggle with as an adult?
Reply Post
In your reply post, write a reflection on at least one student’s initial post and address the following prompts and questions in no fewer than six sentences. Reply to your peers using understanding, compassion, and empathy. 
Please be respectful and practice sincere, professional care, and empathy as you would in your practice with children and families.
This reply post is an opportunity for you to validate your peers’ feelings.
Use the open-ended protocol – “I wonder…,” “I notice…,” or “This reminds me of…” to share your thoughts.
What connections do you have with their post?
What clarifying questions do you have?