KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There’s a new policy at Children’s Mercy that might have parents second-guessing how they discipline their children. It’s the age-old controversy involving spanking.
The waiting room can be a boring and even stressful place, and it’s sometimes a recipe for disaster. Nurse practitioner Amy Terreros has heard it all.
“A child being drug out to the car by their arm. At another clinic, a child was struck multiple times,” she said.
That kind of behavior is no longer allowed at any of the eight Children’s Mercy locations. They are now considered a “no hit zone.” It’s an anti-spanking initiative that promotes other ways to discipline children.
“Kids have an attention gas tank. When that tank gets low, misbehavior is likely to happen. So when we give regular doses of positive attention, we’ll be more likely to prevent problems,” said Cy Nadler, a clinical psychologist.
Cara George recently brought her 18-month-old daughter to the hospital for ear surgery. She doesn’t have a problem with the new policy because she prefers a more hands-off approach.
“I put her in time-out and say ‘no,’” George said.
Not all parents are on board. Terreros expected the pushback when the initiative was introduced.
“They’ve said they don’t want the hospital in their business. That it’s their right to discipline their children. And absolutely, we’re not trying to tell parents how to discipline their children. What they do at home is their business,” said Terreros.
No one will be kicked out of the hospital or denied care. But if a parent is caught hitting a child inside the hospital, a social worker will be called.
