follow @thepositiveparenting to become a positive parent The best parenting strategy is to be both firm and kind. The brain thrives when it experiences structure combined with warmth. Children feel most secure when they have clear boundaries — but it’s the kindness that helps them feel loved, understood, and emotionally safe. Hitting your child may stop a behavior in the moment, but it causes long-term damage. Spanking increases aggression, anxiety, and breaks the trust between parent and child.