Do you believe in spanking children?

Question

I'll prefer parents answering this one, but singles can answer too.

Answer 1

I am not a parent, but I don't believe in spanking. I have a degree in psychology, and the leading theory is that to spank is fine, but there are many other means which are equally effective as spanking, and so there is no need to spank.

Also, spanking is considered just a quick fix, and not as effective as a time out followed by an explanation of why the action was wrong and deserving of punishment. It is always necessary to make sure you specify that it was the act that was wrong and bad, not that the child was wrong and bad.

Anyway, my parents used time outs. They never gave into tantrums and I think that is key. Don't reward bad behavior with any form of attention. They would just ignore a tantrum, not even yell at me, just look away uninterested. That stopped the behavior immediately.

Since there's no need to spank, why do it? I don't really remember any time outs from my childhood, but they worked, whereas just about every child I know remembers some spanking they received and it's never a happy memory.

Answer 2

I believe that spanking should never be a first choice of discipline. I think because a lot of times kids being kids can really test the patience of a parent..parents choose the "easiest and fastest" way of dealing with the "problem". There are sooooo many other ways of disciplining your children with out being physical. We must be patient and creative! CREATIVE...not lazy. I think that the way you deal with your children in all aspects of life teaches them what is acceptable. And in the end if you choose COMMUNICATION and certain disciplining techniques the child will not only learn not that it IS wrong but WHY it is wrong...this betters the FUTURE not just the NOW. ..not to mention helps create an understanding and a loving bond and respect from your children rather than resent,rebellion, separation and fear. Keep in mind that when you do "come at" your children with sudden anger and "a hand"(or the belt) what they see and feel is 10 xs the amount of "scariness" than you believe. Try remembering when you were younger. I believe we as adults get desensitized to things throughout the years. Your kids are relatively new and they have a lot to learn and everything influences them stronger. A little anger goes a long way. I am not saying be a push over...definately take charge but do it with patience. Give them a punishment of some sort...tell them why...be consistant...and when the punishment is over have a few words of understanding before they are done. They make mistakes just like we did and still do! Be a parent..not a Dog trainer. Good luck and dont forget ....if you feel your patience coming to an end...take a breath...step away, and think....
Also keep in mind that each and every kid is theyre own. What works for one may not work for another.

Not to mention...What are you gonna do when theyre too old to spank? punch them? Dont take advantage of you kids because of your short comings.

Answer 3

Yes, but only for something really bad and only for a child who is old enough to understand why you are spanking them. I have only spanked my three-year-old once and I don't think I'll be doing it again any time soon. First of all, it was just hard for me to do. But also, he is just so young, and even though he knew what he was in trouble for, I still don't think he quite understood why mommy was hurting him, you know? I don't think that spanking is a completely bad way to discipline, but I think that there are other methods of discipline that work just fine for the smaller stuff and you should save spanking for the more serious offenses.

Answer 4

Both my parents spanked me, but the moment I was really sorry, my mom would hug and kiss me and explain why she had to spank me. But it was different with my Dad. He was very short tempered and often Mom had to come between us to help me. Though he tries to make up for it now, and is very partial to me, its just very hard to forget the belting that I used to get from him.

Answer 5

Absolutely. Everything that's wrong with children today comes from the fact that a bunch of idiots think that spanking is "wrong" and will "negatively impact their children."

Answer 6

Yes. Our 2 girls are now 10&12 and we always get compliments on their behavior. It has been a long time since we needed to, but they know it's an open option if they misbehave.

Answer 7

I got them when I was little, only 14 now. My sister doesn't though all she gets told is not to do it again and then she does it again. Spankings work.

Answer 8

Least effective way to produce someone who will listen to you when their big and strong enough to spank you back, but great way to produce fighting machine. GWB paying big buck for fighting machines maybe you should spank more often and harder.

Answer 9

I believe in spanking my wife. Especially when she enjoys it. Usually leads to even more fun.

Answer 10

I spank my boys on the butt to just get their attention. They are not old enough to take phone, tv, car, etc away yet.