Bethel Park Family Law Firm
Is Spanking Harmful to Kids?
Parents should not spank their children due to the harmful effects of corporal punishment, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The group also advised against using non-physical punishment that is humiliating, scary or threatening.
Corporal punishment is defined as “non-injurious, open-handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.”
It is associated with increased aggression and defiance, producing effects similar to those of children who experience physical abuse, according to recent studies.
It is estimated that about two-thirds of parents in the United States have spanked their children.
Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: child custody, child support, divorce, Protection From Abuse (PFA), and Children Youth and Families (CYF). To schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Don’t Spank Your Kids
Under Pennsylvania law, parents are permitted to use corporal punishment if it is for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the welfare of their child.
But the force used on the child cannot create a substantial risk of death, serious bodily injury, disfigurement, extreme pain, or mental distress.
A spanking that leaves a mark or bruise could result in a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), a Child, Youth and Families (CYF) investigation, or even criminal charges for child abuse.
Parents engaged in child-custody disputes should consider avoiding all forms of corporal punishment to avoid allegations of abuse.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate representation in all family-law and criminal-defense matters. To schedule a consultation, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Child Custody and Summer Vacation
Children eagerly await the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation. But summer vacation can be a stressful time for you and your ex, as this means accommodating one another’s vacation schedules. These five tips can help alleviate some of the tensions that arise when planning vacations:
- Tell your ex your plans ahead of time;
- Do not violate the terms of an existing custody order;
- Give your ex the details of your trip (location, lodging, transportation, phone numbers, etc.);
- Arrange for communication between the children and your ex;
- Confirm the agreement in writing.
To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.