To smack or not to smack

Although the act of smacking has been passed along from generation to generation, many experts agree that it is not an effective way to discipline a child. Children that are smacked may refrain from repeating a bad act rather than risk getting another smack, but they obey only as long as the risk is present.

Research shows that the short-term benefit of smacking - instant obedience is outweighed by the potential long-term risks. Smacking has shown to promote violence, aggression and other antisocial behaviour, for another, smacking teaches that the best way to solve a problem is with force, and prevents them from learning more constructive ways to deal with frustration and anger.

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Choosing a name for baby

Many are unhappy with their own name, but how can we be sure our baby won't be unhappy with the name we choose?

To a newborn baby a name doesn't mean much, but once friends begin to play a bigger role in your child's life usually during primary school negative feelings to the name you selected may emerge. Though there really is no way to ensure baby will love for a lifetime the name you choose, great thought when selecting a name might help lessen negativity later on.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a name for your baby:

• make sure both you and your spouse like the name


• select a meaningful name


• select a name that fits e.g. Melanie for example, which means "dark" would be fitting for a dark-haired girl


• how will the name sound to others? are there any possible hidden meanings or soundalike words that might someday embarass your child?


• include a middle name so that if your child turns out to be unhappy with his first name, the middle name can be used


• consider choosing a name that's easy to say and spell


• avoid the trendy or the political names


• use a real name instead of a diminutive e.g Robert not Bob


• if you don't want your child to be one of five John's in the class, avoid picking a name from the year's "top ten "


• consider family feelings, but don't let them dominate
  
• be sure the name or names are euphonic with the last name and with each other
  

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