There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children that she didn't know what to do. She gave them broth, without bread, whipped them all thoroughly, and sent them to bed (Mother Goose). Everywhere in American homes, adults whip, spank, paddle, and run over children as an acceptable form of punishment and as a deterrent to unwanted behavior. These actions are considered corporal punishment and can be defined in several ways. The American Public Health Association defines corporal punishment as “the infliction of bodily pain as punishment for behavior disapproved of by the punisher” (American Public Health Association). Similarly, the American Medical Association describes it as "the use of force with the intent to cause a child pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correcting or controlling behavior" (American Medical Association). However you define it, spanking is a practice so widely accepted in American culture that it is even celebrated in this popular children's nursery rhyme Mother Goose. Although many argue that this type of punishment has been effective since the "good old days" when children were taught how to behave by force, there is a wealth of evidence that emphatically shows that corporal punishment has never been, are or will never be an effective means. of discipline. In fact, various credible studies and researchers have concluded that corporal punishment causes many unwanted and negative effects on children. Therefore, there are many cases that prove that reducing this type of punishment has measurable benefits. Most research concludes that spanking does indeed result in immediate compliance, but according to Jordan Riak, author and founder of...... middle of article.... ..against children: a challenge for society. New York: Walter de Gruyter & CO., 1996. Muller, Judy. “No spanking areas offered.” ABCNEWS.comPlutarch. Education of children. Flight. 2. Moralia, ancient Greece. “Political resolution on corporal punishment”. American Public Health Association. November 7, 1979. Riak, Jordan. Let's Talk Frankly About Spanking: Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education. Alamo, Calif., 1992. Revised 1999. “Spanking Makes Children Violent and Antisocial.” » American Medical Association News Update, August 13, 1997. Straus, Murray A. and Paschall, Mallie J. Maternal corporal punishment and children's cognitive development: a longitudinal study. http://www.ung.edu?frl?cp51japa.htmUN: The Committee on the Rights of the Child concludes its eighteenth session. Geneva, from May 18 to June 5.,M2 Press WIRE, 06-09-1998.