should parents spank there kids?

Question

and does it matter if it is with your hand or a belt?

Answer 1

Spank yes...beat no.

Answer 2

Althought some people think I am oversimplistic--I think there is way too little spanking--and I believe it is an important component or raising and instilling discipline in children.Although this is a stupid analogy--a paddle does a good job of keeping the boat headed in the right direction.

Although I was spanked as a kid I was convinced in college that it was inappropriate. So I did not at first spank when I had my own kids. To make a long story short--in the course of being a Mom I changed my tune and decided my parents were not so dumb and old fashioned after all.

I know that anectodal stories are not very useful--but that is the major reason I spank--it works for me. I also think it is fairer and less mean than punishments like time outs and groundings. A spanking gets the punishment over and the air is cleared. The other things drag the thing out. I don't want to be a parental jailer. With younger kids I think the whole point of why they are being punsihed is lost. With older kids it is no more of an effective punishment and inspiration to strive for better behavior than jailing adults is.


I think if more parents would spank--and do it correctly--they would be very surprprised by the results they get. And I don't mean for every little thing but not just as a last resort either. The real key to making it work is consistency.

I should also mention all the research that has been done on this subject showing it is bad. These are all statistically flawed. Infact to the surprise of one researchers who surveyed all the research--he found it to be the most effective method of getting children to comply with the wishes of their parents.

There is a reason parents have been spanking since time immemorial. The anti-spanking movement is very new. And like a lot of new untested ideas I am convinced it is wrong. I do not agree with those who say it should only be with a hand. I only think that is appropriate with very young children. Otherwise it is better to use something like a wooden spoon, paint stick, etc.--I have a paddle made specifically for the purpose. I do not think it is a good idea to use an appendage or extension of the parent to punish.

Besides--sometimes just grabbing the paddle and showing it to them can bring instaneous results, as can the rhetorical question "Do you want me to get the paddle?"


I am also not very keen on belts or straps. Although a lot of parents do spank with them--I think it is possible to cause injury. Something like a paddle is safe and gets the point across--and if you want to make sure, it can be applied to their bare bottom (as I usually do).

Answer 3

yes, but there is a right way and a wrong way. First children need to know there is consequence to doing something bad. The consequence shouldn't feel good, but not be abusive either. This is important for when they grow up they will know that breaking the law will get you consequences. (and consequences don't feel good) Don't spank without talking calmly and explaining reasons for the spanking. Spank on the buttocks. It's padded and protected. Never hit anywhere else. If parent is angry then they need to take a time out. We did this until our children were about 15. Then the grounding came and that was more painful then the spanking. Our children have never been in trouble with the law. Never were suspended in school. No problem with drugs or alcohol. Outside of the smart mouth, we truly enjoyed our kids. They were a total blessing.

Answer 4

Yes they should if needed. Always on the clothed bottom with the hand. The reason kids are the way they are these days is that parents are afraid to spank. Spanking is not against the law in all 50 states, beating is: And using the belt is beating

Answer 5

Yes I believe in spanking children. I wouldn't use a belt though. I appreciate that my parents spanked me when I was a kid. It taught me about what behaviors are not acceptable in society. But understand that the caring & nuturing times must seriously outweigh the times when discipline is needed. If you look at today's society there are a lot of parents who don't discipline their kids & then have the nerve to blame it on T.V., video games, other children, schools, or the world in general. It just makes me sick when parents who don't provide discipline for their children use these excuses. And in case you're wondering I spank my children also. With an open handed swat with only enough force to get their undivided attention. Hopefully this sheds some light on your question.

Answer 6

Spanking yes, but not to bring blood or blisters. I was not spanked when I was a young lad, I was beaten and I do not believe in beating your kids or spouse.
When I got spanked at school, my parents would whip me with a belt or beat me and it was not funny when I got home. My dad always knew when I got home, if I got spanked at school.
I urge parents not to spank, whip or beat their kids out in the public. I have been there, done that and it is not good for the kid, and the parent/parents need to control their temper before punishing their kid/kids.

Answer 7

There must be a reason of course. And some children might work better without the spanking, like me. Sometimes the spanking might even make them worse, than what they were when their parents got mad at them. So it really depends. And beating is a no no.

Answer 8

Belt equals abuse in the eye of the law.

Open hand on rear with no marks left and not done in anger is acceptable spanking. Anything other then that will land your butt in jail.

Answer 9

yes i think it's OK to spank on their bottom only.i have seen mothers smack their kids everywhere but their bottoms these days..beating a child is different and i think people cross the line when they use a belt.

Answer 10

Absolutely not. Use common sense. Never spank a child under any condition. That is called child abuse.

Answer 11

i think it should be avoided especially once the kid is a teen but some kids need it at least once. i don't think hand or belt makes a diff but nothing crazy like a wire or something