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 Some people see spanking as an outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on the bottom as a parent's prerogative.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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  • Jimmy Dunne
    Spanking does NOT bring respect

    Spanking children does not bring respect for the parent, it brings anger, hatred and fear. It shows that the parent is out of control and is resorting to hitting a small defenseless child. People are not for hitting and children are people too. Discipline should be for teaching, not for punishment. Let the child know what you approve and disapprove of and they will want your approval.

    Jimmy Dunne, People Opposed to Paddling Students, Houston 281.584.9707 see www.nospankingzone.org

    - Jimmy DunneUS December 12, 2008 8:20AM

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    • bellajames
      I was spanked..and I respect my parents.

      I was spanked until I turned 15 years old. If I did something wrong, I knew that I was going to get a spanking for it and most of the time that was the only reason I refrained. All children are different. Some children benefit from spanking, and others don't. My sister was spanked as a child, and it did her no good, because she was always stubborn and wasn't afraid of the pain. So therefore, my parents had other ways of punishing her. But for me, it worked. I did respect my parents for it, because they were always very clear about what they expected from me, and I knew what would happen if I did something wrong. Therefore, I still respected them for it. I may not have liked it when I was younger, but I did not hate my parents for it. Like I said, it may not work for certain children, but time-outs don't work for certain children either. In time-out, most creative children would entertain themselves, even if there was absolutely nothing in the room that was entertaining. The responsibility falls on individual parents. It is NOT abuse, if you do not hurt the child to the point of bruises or scarring.

      - bellajamesUS April 13, 2009 3:00PM

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    • Russell Fine
      Spanking isn't meant to bring respect

      Not every action a parent takes is meant to engeander respect. I do believe that spanking a child out of anger and frustration is abuse, not discipline .

      - Russell FineUS May 23, 2009 11:18AM

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      • muffmonster36
        Spanking does NOT bring respect

        SEE you got it figured out it is all in how you deliver that spanking that matter's I think I got plenty growing and my son as well.You can't act like a enraged idiot while dealing with kids but you put best I think.

        - muffmonster36US September 2, 2009 11:36AM

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      • countryboy
        Out of love

        Yes a parent should not ever spank out of anger or frustration.The problem today is the two parent are out to work and there is no discipline in the homes
        My wife stayed at home and I went to work outside of the home.When I got home that was the time the children got there spankings after a talken to.

        - countryboyUS September 3, 2009 2:23PM

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    • muffmonster36
      Spanking does NOT bring respect

      I think your dead wrong evryone in my family as far as I can remeber has gotten whippings and we are all good folk's never shot a school up or co- workers and we are hard working and god fearing people.It is the lack of punishment that is the problem with kids now aday's so look's to me like your wrong!!!

      - muffmonster36US September 2, 2009 11:31AM

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