Spanking teaches children violence is a solution

Thanks to Leonard Edwards for his article “Let’s outlaw spanking young children in California” (Opinion section, Dec. 23).

People argue, “I was spanked as a child and I turned out fine.” Spanking teaches that it’s OK to solve problems with violence, for both kids — and adults. It often results in people being more interested in not being caught than in really doing well.

There are other forms of discipline that teach self-control, empathy and the difference between right and wrong by instilling morals.

Some adults that were hit as children identify with the power of their aggressor, and grow up believing in an authoritarian parenting style where their priority is to be seen as the most powerful. If others challenge them, they think those challenging them should be hit to “learn their place.”

Let’s outlaw spanking not just of young children but also of all kids. — Elizabeth Lee, licensed marriage and family therapist, Palo Alto