Methods of child discipline vary widely between cultures and have in recent times changed considerably in many of them.

In western society, there has been much debate over spanking in particular and corporal punishment for children in general.

Non-violent child discipline has grown in popularity, but continues to be controversial. It is generally time-intensive, and thus best-suited to parents of very small families. Results will vary dramatically according to the child's personality, depending greatly upon the child's desire to please and upon the child's stubbornness.

The Taking Children Seriously approach eschews all child discipline as unethical.

In particular, descriptions of practices in other cultures should be added.