In light of the available evidence that corporal punishment can be detrimental to the healthy and normal development of children and that an authoritative (firm but allowing children to express themselves) rather than authoritarian (stern and not allowing children to express themselves) parenting style works best for children, Latino parents have a valuable opportunity to blend both the Latino and American styles of parenting to help our children thrive. We can apply the authoritative tone of our parents but still allow our children to have a voice, and hold the flip flop.
