do you think that the government should tell us how to raise our kids and how we should discipline them?

Question

do you think we should be allowed to smack our kids?
we have stupid rules here in the UK governing what we can and can't do, what about elsewhere..

Answer 1

They shouldn't be able to, but that's how it is. That's why they're starting to change the laws here in the us. Allowing spanking, ect... There is a huge difference between abuse and discipline and they're recognizing that now.

Answer 2

Your question should be rephrased: should the government be allowed to protect children from bad parents who beat and injure the smallest and most defenceless among us?
The answer is: absolutely.
No good ever comes from hitting a child, no matter what the reason. At it's best, spanking is a sign of lazy parenting--you can't be bothered to explain a situation to the child, so you just lash out and whack. At it's worst, physical punishment is vicous and cruel.
There are a million better ways to teach a child right from wrong, including simple, old-fashioned talking, followed up, if the lesson doesn't sink in, by time-out or withdrawal of privileges.
How would you like it if someone punched you in the ear every time you forgot to pay your bills? Or kicked you in the gut if you parked badly? Why would you think children need to be "disciplined" that way, any more than you?
Praising a child for doing things well, and helping them, spending time with them and teaching them instead of using the TV to babysit them, will produce a far happier, better-behaved child than assaulting them repeatedly.
Shame on the person who wrote "just a tiny bruise on the butt". That's plain evil.

Answer 3

No. It's not the government's business, though I do think society should make sure children aren't being abused or neglected. (I don't consider smacking a toddler abuse, as long as it is not done in anger, and even then, it's not my business unless the child is injured.)

Some people get a little over zealous in the US. I don't have any children yet, (I'm due in November) but I was a nanny for a couple of years. When I would take the child with me to the supermarket he was HORRENDOUS!!!!!!! I think there must be sumbliminal messages being played in those places. He was such a rotten brat in the store. I couldn't do anything but ignore him because he wasn't my child, but you hear stories all the time about people butting their noses in or even calling social services when they see a mother smacking her child for throwing a tantrum at the supermarket. I say good for the mom for correcting such inappropriate behavior.

Answer 4

Because the government barely allows a parent to spank a really naughty child - I feel is one of the reason we have so many spoiled juvenile deliquents to deal with.

The government is getting ridiculous in telling people what to do and how to do it. The only time a child should be taken away is if the parents have truly abused or neglected - not for a tiny bruise on the butt.

Answer 5

I don't know much about the UK because I don't live there but I don't think the government should be able to tell you how to raise your kids and if that did happen,some children would not learn the way their parents/parent would want them to learn things.But I don't think you should hit your kids though so don't do it.If you do smack your kids they will treat thier children like that and children feel very uncomfortable when they are very badly disciplined.Threre are very many pros and cons about it but I think you should definately not have laws and things about the way to discipline you children or child.Goodluck!

-Haley

Answer 6

The only time I feel that the government should interfere with parenting is when the kids are supported by the government. If you support your own kids, then you have every right to discipline whichever way you feel is best. But if your on government assistance, they should have a say in it.

Answer 7

Generally, I think that the less the government is involved, the better. The last thing I need, as a parent, is one more thing to worry about.

For the record i live in the US.

Answer 8

well, here in the usa everything you do to dicipline a child is considered child abuse! It is absolutely rediculous! the government should not tell anyone how to raise anyones kids. It's not any ones business.

Answer 9

No. We need the government out of all phases of our lives.

Answer 10

Why do you have such a strong desire to smack your kid? Maybe you should seek professional help.