Public Health Agency of Agence de la santé publique

Canada and Department du Canada et Ministère

of Justice Canada de la Justice Canada

Why Doesn’t What’s Wrong

Sometimes parents feel frustrated by their
What the law says: children’s behaviour and do not know what

Spanking withSpanking?
Most forms of physical punishment are to do. All children need guidance to help
considered crimes in Canada. The provinces and them learn self-control. Positive guidance, or
‘discipline’, teaches children skills, raises their

Work?
territories also have laws to protect children.
self-esteem, and strengthens the parent-child
bond. Physical punishment is not positive
For more information on Tips to Guide Your Child’s discipline. Children need safe, stable and
the law and parenting visit: Behaviour in a Positive Way nurturing relationships with their parents.
Spanking is not an effective way to change http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/
your child’s behaviour. Spanking can harm your rp-pr/cj-jp/fv-vf/mcb-cce/index.html This pamphlet provides some tips to help
relationship with your child. Research shows that parents guide their child’s behaviour in
spanking teaches your child to solve problems a positive way.
with aggression.

Your child needs

your guidance.
Your child needs you to
be consistent and patient.

Download this
brochure for free:
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/
healthy-living-vie-saine/spanking-2015-fessee/
index-eng.php
This brochure is also available in French

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2015
This publication may be reproduced without permission provided the source is fully acknowledged.
Cat.: HP10-23/2015E ISBN: 978-1-100-25827-0 Pub.: 140515

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Tips to Guide Your Child’s Behaviour in a Positive Way
#1 Calm down
before you act. #4 Think about your child’s
stage of development. #5 Create a loving and
respectful home.
When we get frustrated, we can react without thinking. Babies are just beginning to learn about the world. Toddlers learn by touching and tasting everything. Adults are important role models. Children learn from
If you react in ways that are hurtful, you can make the They need to know that they live in a safe place. They This is how they get to know the world. They are little watching how adults treat each other, as well as how
situation worse by scaring your child. Try to breathe often cry because they do not have words to tell you explorers who want to know what everything is and how they treat children. Talk with your child and explain
deeply when you feel yourself getting frustrated. how they feel or what they need. It can be hard to figure everything works. If a child’s hand is slapped for touching things so she can learn. Show him and tell him you
Wait until your body relaxes and you can think clearly out what they are trying to tell you. Babies never cry things, they will be afraid to explore, so they will learn appreciate his efforts. Respect her need to grow, learn
before doing or saying anything. to make you mad. They just need to be comforted and less. To keep your toddler safe while he explores: and explore. Teach him about safety and distract him
protected. They need to know that they are safe with • Put dangerous things out of reach. from things that can harm him. Respect her need
you. You cannot spoil a baby. for sleep and healthy food, which greatly affect her
#2 Tchild
hink about what you want your
to learn in this moment. When your baby cries, try:
• Distract her with a safe toy.
• Use words like ‘hot,’ ‘sharp,’ and ‘ouch’
over and over to teach him about danger.
behaviour. Have a daily routine. Last but not least,
have fun with your child!
Your child will learn how to deal with frustration by • feeding her
watching how you deal with it. Children who are • changing his diaper • Always make sure she is in a safe place
spanked are more likely to solve their own conflicts by • holding, cuddling and singing to her where you can watch her closely. Parents are
hitting others. To teach children how to be respectful • rocking or walking with him Preschoolers want to do things for themselves and always learning.
and non-violent, you need to treat them with respect make their own decisions. They cannot express or control All parents need ideas
and interact without violence. Show them how it is done. If your baby cannot stop crying and you are feeling
stressed out, put your baby in a safe place. Spend a few
their feelings very well. When they get frustrated, they and support.
often have tantrums. Their emotions take over and this
minutes alone until you feel calmer. Ask for help from
#3 Consider your child’s family, friends, a doctor or other community resources.
can scare them. Spanking will only scare them more and

#6 Do
point of view. make the tantrum worse. Instead, you can: not be afraid
Most of the behaviours that frustrate parents are normal • Stay close and keep your child safe. to ask for help.
reactions to hunger, tiredness, boredom, restlessness, • Take deep breaths. To find out where to find support in your community,
fear, illness, pain, discouragement, frustration or stress. Remember, • Stay calm to help your child gradually calm down. ask:
• Has your child missed her snack? never shake a baby. • your family doctor
When your child has calmed down, hold him gently and
• Was he up late last night? Shaking a baby can • your local public health department
help put his feelings into words. “You were mad because
• Did she miss her nap? cause serious brain injury • your family support worker
I cut your apple and you wanted to eat it whole.” Show
• Does he need to run outside? and death. • child care centres
your child how to handle strong feelings without yelling
• Is she getting sick? or hitting. Teach her how to think of solutions to her • family resource centres
• Is there stress in the family? problems. Help him to express his feelings using words. • child and family service agencies
If something gets damaged, help your child learn how • parenting programs such as Nobody’s Perfect
Ask your child if something is bothering him. to fix it.
When you understand the reason for your • First Nation, Inuit and Métis organizations
child’s behaviour, it is easier to handle the and health programs
situation without losing your temper. • multicultural or newcomer centres
• social media support forums
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