TY - BOOK AU - Russell, Marie Louise TI - The discipline of children: alternatives to smacking U1 - 649.64 DIS PY - 1996/// CY - Wellington PB - Victoria University of Wellington KW - FVC KW - CHILDREN KW - DISCIPLINE KW - FAMILIES KW - PARENTING KW - THESES KW - NEW ZEALAND N1 - Thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts (Applied) Social Science Research; nz N2 - This thesis discusses alternatives to smacking promoted by parent-educators and examines why parents reject smacking, and which alternative methods they use. The research used qualitative methods, with focus group interviews and in-depth personal interviews. Parent-educators were concerned that parents were not well-informed about child development. They considered that communication skills are important, talking to the child and encouraging the expression of feelings. Most advocate and model a range of specific techniques. Parents had a positive view of children and rejected smacking as either violent itself or leading to violence. The thesis identifies several areas for positive change, including supporting a media campaign, education about parenting, better services for parents and families, and the repeal of s59 of the Crimes Act (1961) ER -