Quote Originally Posted by carole
some people think it is fine to give a quick sharp smack if your child is in danger, like going to put their hands on the oven ring for example, but would not a sharp NO and taking their hand away learn them just as well, if not more,communication surely is a better, and more effective measure,if the child is too young too understand NO, will it understand your meaning behind your smacking either,anyhow just my thoughts on the subject today.
If it's a household where yelling isn't commonplace, a child's first reaction to any sudden shout is to FREEZE (and possibly give a wail of their own!) But if there's shouting going on all the time, one more shout isn't going to get their attention at all. And shouting isn't just caused by anger - it's caused by people trying to shout from room to room instead of rounding the corner to ask a question or sending someone downstairs to announce wash-your-hands-for-dinner, yelling over a too-loud TV or stereo, or shouting so a hard-of-hearing family member can hear. But if it's possible to minimize houshold shouting outside of circumstances of danger, "NO!" "STOP!" and "DROP IT!" are amazingly effective!

And this, explained to a spouse as a practical strategy, can help reduce noise-related headaches all around too.

Love, Columbine (when all else fails, make sure to take your B vitamins!)