Is Spanking an Acceptable Form of Discipline?

Is Spanking an Acceptable Form of Discipline?

You have probably heard the expression, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Do you agree with it? Perhaps you were spanked as a kid. Was it appropriate? Some people see spanking as an outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on the bottom as a parent's prerogative. Where do we draw the line when it comes to disciplining our children?

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  • rkd
    Rosemond Pushes Dogma, Dismisses Facts

    Just for the record: Rosemond has an MA in his field, I have a Ph.D. in mine. We both are "experts" on the results of hitting children. In fact (as opposed to a selective reading of the Old Testament), no studies have ever shown (contra Rosemond) that spanking has beneficial results. The consensus is that it has severe & longlasting bad results for children under the age of 2 or past puberty, and about 20% of other kids. Why take the chance for nothing?
    Many advocates of "Biblical chastisement" write separate arguments for Punitive Christian and secular audiences. Is Rosemond one of them?

    - rkd August 9, 2008 8:07AM

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