Physical discipline of a child?

Question

This stems off the previous question asked about where the parents are. What is your position on spanking a child? Not advocating child abuse in any way. A child should never be disciplined physically to an extent that it causes physical damage to the child. According to the Bible, though, the appropriate and restrained physical discipline of children is a good thing, and contribute to the well-being and correct upbringing of the child. God's discipline is loving, as should it be between parent and child. Spanking should never be used to cause lasting physical harm or pain, but a quick swat (on the bottom where there is the most padding) to teach the child that what he did was wrong is acceptable. Never should it be used to vent our anger and frustrations, or be uncontrolled. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Biblical References: Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 20:30, Psalm 94:12; Proverbs 1:7, 6:23, 12:1, 13:1, 15:5; Isaiah 38:16; Hebrews 12:9, Proverbs 29:15

Answer 1

God says spare the rod hate the child. I believe we should whip our kids. Like you said not to hurt them but let them no that what they done is wrong. My dad would give me at least 6 hard swats on the butt and not once did he leave a bruise. I respected my parents even though I got whipped alot. I never did act the way kids do today. I have seen my neice and nephew get up in my sisters face and fuss at her and she does nothing. When a child gets older take their junk from them, and toss it in trash. If parents would start a child at a young age by whipping them when they done wrong, most time you will not have to do it to much when they are older. Dont give them 3 chances to get it right. Whip on first go and it will not take long a child will know their bounderies.

Answer 2

I am not what you call an advocate of corporal punishment (spanking) but I do think that there are times, very few, but times when it may be neccesary.. especilally if the child is doing something that endangers his/her physical well being.. a 'soft' swat on the butt as an attention-getter for not looking both ways before crossing the street is more embarrasing than 'painful' and will serve well as a reminder that the 'pain' the child felt is nothing compared to being hit by a car..

I also believe most parents think it impossible to reason with children.. prhaps I have been blessed, I have rarely had to give 'an attention getter' often have been able to reason with my three kids, and most parents are amazed at how mature and how often they make right decisions.. I would add, that when wrong decisions were made, we talked about it.. if a situation could be 'diffused' by removing the child from the situation, time out of you will, and then have the child tell me or mom what went wrong and what was a better way to handle a given situation.. I don;t do the explaining, the child does.. I occasionally had to 'lead' their answer, but not often..

And finally.. I think yelling at kids is actually more harmful than mild physical discipline and has a lot longer lasting effect..

Bottom line is an occasional swat to the butt serving ONLY as an attention getter will do little or no harm.. mental abuse of a child, giving them self doubt, feelings of no self worth, etc, is far worse than a mild spanking..

Answer 3

It depends on the child. In my opinion do all you can without using physical punishment or restraint. I also believe that intention plays a key role. If you really don't like physical punishment this is good, no parent should enjoy punishing their child. Some children do not respond to other punishments so sometimes a little pain can go a long way. The point isn't to have to continuously inflict harm, but that the child will learn a consequence to wrong behavior. I say make your own choice, pray, and know whatever you do you are accountable to God, if you feel justified make your decision.

Answer 4

I agree with Dr. James Dobson. Spanking in moderation usually during the early years seems to work well.Sort of like we all learn about fire by getting a little burned. There are however times for other forms of discipline. Spanking should be used for willful disobedience not childish irresponsibility.

Answer 5

Forget any religious stuff, revert to common sense. Love without discipline is the cruelest thing you can do to a child.
In my generation, actually swatting was seldom needed as the threat was believable. With five children I think about once a year (not once each, once total )was enough; but they all still tell me they knew if they went too far I was willing to spank them.
I could take them anywhere without fear of asocial behavior; we respected each other.

Answer 6

I think that's what has went so very wrong in this country(USA). Some children need a little more discipline than others. I know a lot of GROWN people that need they a** whipped.

Answer 7

I believe the parent should decide what is best. We use the in the corner method and taking away things. My children are young though. When I was a teenager my mother whipped me and I deserved and needed it.

Answer 8

Very good! Maybe you should use a paddle, as then the discipline (rod) is seen as the object... and the hands can cuddle for comfort.

Answer 9

Spanking is fine as long as its from love and not from anger

Answer 10

In theory it's a good idea, but if the kids sees that hitting is a way of teaching, it might become justified in his eyes, and he'll start hitting.