One of the important issues to remember about helping a child to learn appropriate behaviours (as discussed in Chapter 3) is that we need to remember that children learn most about appropriate behaviours through modelling others. It is a contradiction in terms to have adults physically punishing children as a form of deterrent when at the same time, teaching children through our verbal instructions, not to physically hurt anyone else. Whilst some adults claim smacking does no harm and is an effective strategy, the act of smacking does convey at the very least, a confused message to children. There are many more productive strategies that are not only effective, but also model desired and acceptable behaviours.