Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance

by Kelly McDaniel

headaches are normal. During a spanking, physiological reactions such as heart pounding, vomiting, and even loss of bowel or bladder control can occur. Spanking creates toxic stress for a child and for the siblings who watch, eroding trust and safety in a family.14 Children who were spanked suffer long-term symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.15 If you were spanked as a child, you may feel disgusted by your body. It may be difficult to care for yourself (including pursuing medical care, dental care, regular exercise, and healthy nutrition) because your body has been a battleground. You may find it validating to know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid spanking children for any reason, and some researchers are fighting to include spanking on the list of adverse childhood experiences.16