in the state of washington is it a crime to spank your child? What about in public?

Question

kid isn't born yet

Answer 1

I don't know about the specific laws in WA, but I can tell you some I know about disciplining your child. First, un born and newborn children don't know what is wrong or right and need nothing but love, care attention and proper feeding, cleaning and clothing.

Second around year two sometime it is time for them to learn right from wrong and you teach them the difference with discipline. Discipline, like communication, comes in many forms. A change in your tone of voice, body language, etc. I prefer a less violent form of discipline, but for willful children that do not listen to you telling them, "NO" may need a small spat on a hand or a bottom. A spat is more that a pat, but less than a slap, not a blow to hurt the child, but contact that gets their attention and lets them know you do not approve of their behavior.

I like Time Outs, depriving the child of favorite toys or activities also known as toy time out or swimming pool time out for example.

Disciplining in public is an emotionally charged issue. Your unwitting audience can be yanked back to a time in their childhood that is very unpleasant by your public display of disapproval with your child. I would be very careful about what you do in public. Remember, removing yourself and your child from the public area quickly and addressing the infraction in the car or the restroom is just as effective as an immediate reaction.

The time it takes to remove yourself can help you be more effective as well. It gives you time to collect your thoughts and be more effective in what you say as you are not in the heat of the moment when you are delivering the teaching and their consequence to your child.

Answer 2

i don't know about the first part of the question but if you need to spank your child even in public something is wrong with your family dynamics. You should deal out your authority as a parent with a gentle hand. You child should be able to both love and respect you. You should be the one to go to for advise, guidance and love.

Answer 3

Not sure, but it probably is, it is in most states...thanks to Dr. Spock (who's son coincidently committed suicide), and the liberals. Time out is the accepted form of discipline that will keep the child protective services people out of your life.

Congratulations! May you have an easy delivery and a healthy happy baby.

Answer 4

never spank a child, punish him\her in a more adult manner Im not saying not to punish just figure a punishment that will fit the crime stay strong and firm then once the punishment is over talk to them and explain why you did.