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

hahaha thats the funniest, but seriously if it works then i don't see the harm in it, so long as you don't beat the crap out of your son and use it only for disciplinary purposes, i see it as being ok.

Answer 2

Forget about political correctness. The reason you should not spank with anything other than your hand is because of the possibility of injury to the child. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with using a slipper to spank a child as long as all other options for discipline have been exhausted. I do have a suggestion for discipline that I have not seen on Supernanny. Try making him do exercises. It works well for the Army, and if it works with your son it will be effective for a much longer time than the slipper will. Push ups, situps, mountain climers, cross country skier... The good thing about exercises is that as he becomes accustomed to doing the exercises and they don't tire him as much, you can just make him do more. In a few years, the slipper will lose it effectiveness. You will either have to change discipline strategy or use something harder (which could lead to an abuse accusation)

Answer 3

No. We all have our own personal relationships with our children. SuperNanny's method is her own not yours. All parents should step up to the plate and discipline their children. If you don't someone else will in a very negative way. Thank God all you have to use is a "magic slipper". You son was testing you to see how far you would let him go. He's a good child. God Bless you both. Pray a lot and spank this but when he needs it, he'll understand later and he'll thank you believe me.

Answer 4

I was smacked with all sorts of 'weapons' when I was a child and most of them broke on me. I was not a naughty child. Always teachers pet, lots of merit certificates, quiet and helpful. Well, I guess the smacking worked but I have trouble expressing my anger with words rather than actions. I don't want my kids to go through what I did.

The '5 love languages for children' is a great book which gives ideas about how have a great relationship with your child. The spin off from having a great relationship is that they will do what you need them to do.

Here's a parent's response from reading it:

“I can't speak of the emotion that fills my heart when thinking of this book. It is saving my family! My husband and I now know how to satisfy our children in the most basic of ways...Love!! And I will tell you a secret: they do their chores now with no complaints!!”

Answer 5

If we as parents did everything that we read and heard our children and ourselves would be basket cases. You have found something that works. As long as there is love and respect between the slipper slap, my opinion is go for it. Someone once said to me when my son was small, the first slap is for him but the second is for you. So remember one time only on the bum and remember when he is behaving take special time with him to show him you appreciate the good boy he is. Good luck

Answer 6

Many people think that spanking is abuse. But I think that's so many of our kids are out of control. When my son was small, I used a fly swatter on the rear. We never called it a spanking, it was a swat. It gives a good sting, but will not physically harm him. Although some might say that it will harm him mentally, I disagree. He knew at least that when I said something that I meant it.

Answer 7

well, i never spanked my son. i have never used that as a way to get him to behave. mostly what i would do was talk to him. i would give him some feeling words he would try to relate what was going on for him. anyways, i don't agee with spanking. i don't see personally how hurt and fear is a good way to motivate your child to do things they are supposed to. i used communication and feelings. he's 17 now...going on 18. although a typical teenager..........not into talking about his feelings.....but he is well behaved all the time. he doesn't get into trouble at school or home. i always know where he is, he says please and thank you still all the time. and he does what i ask him. like dishes when they are supposed to get done etc.

Answer 8

When is society going to realize that not all kids are the same, just as all adults are not the same? "Spare the rod and spoil the child" is still golden words as far as i am concerned. I do not tolerate child abuse in any form but come on people.......kids today are doing things that are unheard of and why is it? It's because people are too afraid to use spanking as well as other forms of discipline. In my opinion you are doing nothing wrong so long as you do not strike out in anger. Happy parenting. :)

Answer 9

It is illegal to use an object to spank a child, so I would strongly advise you to stop immediately before someone reports you to the police or child and family services!

Stop!

Now!

Parents who display anger frequently to a child find it easy to display anger rather than consider alternatives to correcting a child's misbehaviour. Think of the message you are giving to your son - physical power rules!

If you lack the discipline to correct your child's unruly behaviour then go for counselling and STOP hitting your child. Understand?!

Answer 10

at seven you shouldnt be spanking your child. there are many other ways to get him to behave but spanking isnt one them. your child is old enough to say something at school and then the authorities would down on you like a ton of bricks.

giving him rewards for good behavour is the way to go, with love and encouragment.

Answer 11

If the "magic slipper" works for you, use it. I would not worry about political correctness.

I find a good smack with my open hand to a pyjama covered butt works well. If they were to laugh, I am sure a bare hand to a bare butt would get their attention.