Spanking dilemma - slipper or hand?

Question

My 7 year old son went through a very rebellious period last year.
I tried all the usual Supernanny 'time out' things without success and even smacked him with my hand - which he just laughed at.
But when I spanked his bottom with my slipper he took notice and behaved. Now I have a 'magic slipper' - If he's naughty I just take it off and show it to him and he behaves! But I'm reading everywhere that it's wrong to spank with anything other than your hand. Question is, should I give this excellent deterrent up for the sake of political correctness?

Answer 1

You can't argue with results. We use just our hand (but w/pants down), for us it works just fine. Just make sure your not bruising or leaving permanent marks (other then a red bottom) that is abuse and you could get in trouble. Don't let people tell you spanking is wrong. If it works then use it.

Answer 2

Most of the today's adults had a spank on time, even with something more than a hand (I had one once when I was 5!).
Today, everywhere, they say it's wrong, but how many spanked-traumatized adults you know?
To be honest, I don't disagree with your method, I think spanking is acceptable when needed, as long as it doesn't go so far that become abuse (you aren't thinking on ripping off you slipper on him or hitting him so hard that you will leave bruises, right?).
If you have already tried more soft methods and didn't work, may be you got the right one for your child. It's better spanking on time that not spanking an regret it later...

Answer 3

You should definately spank your son when he needs it - parents who don't are making life very difficult for their children as they grow older - why? because kids grow up learning that no matter what they do they can always get away with it - I speak from experience - this is what happened to me - i was never spanked as a child and grew up knowing that what i was doing was wrong - but who cares I will never be punished. An attitude that had to be corrected much later than it should have been by an understanding older father figure. I would say boys will learn alot faster when there is at least the possibility of physical punishment - it gives a strong encouragement to do the right thing - when the boy really doesnt want to do what you have asked him to do. The desire to take no notice and carry on regardless is just too strong in many boys. So if you spank - in moderation of course - then well done you are doing the right thing - dont listen to this PC nonsense

Answer 4

I have heard it is better to spank with something other than your hand, so I don't know what to tell you.

My husband do not really spank our children that much. I can count on one hand how many times all four of my children have been spanked. It didn't seem to be an effective form of discipline so we try to stick with other methods.

Kids are different, so you have to find what works for you though. If simply showing your son a slipper makes him behave, then go for it. My oldest son hates when we take away his gamecube, so when he does something he usually loses privileges and has to help out extra around the house.

Answer 5

ude what ever works, spanking has been a common practice since the begining of time. Dont let those PC thugs tell you how to raise your own child. Some kids a need a good licking every now and then. My parents used the belt,hand, thin tree branch,etc to get the point across. after a few times the message went through. You cant use adult methods on child, arresting him and sending him to a penitentary for 2yrs, or garnish wages until their dirt poor. You already tried the talk, and parenting from what you see on TV, if the slipper fits use it.

Answer 6

Whatever works. As long as you aren't being abusive about it, go right ahead and do whatever works. He's seven, things are going to get way more complicated soon enough. I have a 10,8,and 7 year old. The best way I've found for my kids is to let them suffer the natural consequences of their actions. One of those being a calm parent who will pop their backside if they disrespect or misbehave. The all know very well what happens if they raise their voice to an adult or outright disobey a rule. I don't have to use it very often at all, but I do it when necessary.


Good Luck

Answer 7

your son is lucky. my parents used to spank me and my siblings with a bamboo rod. it hurt like hell and sometimes it bleed. to my annoyance, it is STILL LEGAL in my country to do that. i don't think that parents should even spank a child. i know the Bible says " spare the rod and spoil the child" but as whenever my mom quoted that or said nonsense like "my heart hurts when i spank you but i have to" i just hated her and that stupid rod even more and made up my mind to do the same thing again.
It's possible that there is another reason why your son is so rebellious, perhaps you should try another way to reason with him, talk to him and find out what is the problem.
If you terrorize your son in to being well-behaved with the "magic slipper", the problem might grow worse, from what i see, children who get spanked are frightened into being obedient. over time, the threat of being spanked no longer works and they become even more rebellious.
I observed people that i meet and compare the way those that have been spanked behave towards their parents and the way those that don't get spanked behave towards their parents and the latter is often better. unless, of course, your son is just simply naughty enough to deserve a spanking

Answer 8

You know what that is exactly what happened with my daughter, Id spank her and then she would laugh at me. I was told to get a paint stick and catch her upper thigh. (I dont beat my kids, just hard enough to gice her a little sting) It is not illegal to use a belt on your child (which I would never do though) so I think that a slipper is fine, especially compared to a belt. If thats what gets your kids to streighten up his act, then do it. Otherwise kids are going to be out of control and by the time they are 15-16 they will be walking all over you and calling the shots, hitting you etc.

Answer 9

No not at all. If it works then stick with it. I have three sons myself (14-13-8) and the spanking with the hand is long passed..lol. These are our children and as long as we are not abusing them as far as when we discipline them people should mind there own business. As you said u done, you have tried other options and then that is your last resort then keep at it. I use a belt. I only spank them on the butt. I get much more rep sect after wards. This is my opinion. I have also ben told it si aaginst the law to spank your child with anything but a open hand by the DHS. Good luck

Answer 10

You must do what it works for you.

I use mostly hand when I smack my kids but sometimes I've used my slipper too when they had been really naughty.

That way they know that punishment is more severe if they cross the red line, so they try to avoid it.

Don't think about political correctness but the best thing to teach your kid right from wrong.