What would you do if you saw a child being spanked?

Question

I get really uncomfortable when I see my friends spanking their kids infront of me. I've told them not to do that but they forget. What should I do.

Answer 1

I know exactly how you feel. Some parents think spanking is necessary to raise respectful kids, but I disagree. You can raise perfectly good children without ever doing that. In fact, parents who take the time to discipline and TEACH their kids proper behavior are more effective than parents who don't make time to do their job and raise their kids, the kind who resort to spanking. I was spanked and it did not cause me to "respect" my parents; quite the contrary. When you tell a child not to hit another child but spank them, you are sending mixed messages. "It's not OK to hit, but I can hit you when you do something 'defiant.'" That's not teaching kids, it's confusing them. Also, parents should get off their power trip and stop trying to control kids. I think kids today are so defiant because they feel the need to rebel from parents. The same parents who usually spoil their kids (buy them cell phones, designer clothes, etc.) tend to be the same ones who spank their kids. Those kids are spoiled brats who should have been raised with real consequences for their actions, not a convenient whipping. I would tell these parents that they are teaching their children to solve problems by physical force so I wouldn't be surprised if their children grew up to have little intrinsic control. If they can't talk it over with an open mind, maybe you should reconsider their friendship. Personally, I wouldn't want to be friends with someone who believes it's OK to hit their kids.

Answer 2

Society in this day and age has taught us that spanking as a form of discipline is wrong....but I must say, as a parent, that has never spanked my children but was spanked, myself, as a child that there are times when a child needs to be disciplined in an extreme way. I'm not talking about beating them....but with the way kids are growing up presently knowing that parents can actually go to jail for spanking their children that the kids are pushing the limits more and more....Kids now have less respect for their elders and themselves.

But if your friends discipline via spanking is making you uncomfortable....talk to them about it. I am sure they will understand and hopefully control themselves in your presence.

Answer 3

I don't believe in spanking your children either, but I believe in letting parents be parents in their own way. Just because we don't think spanking our children is good doesn't mean other parents have to think that way too. Give your friends the benefit of the doubt that they're trying to be the best parents they know how, even though their way is the opposite of yours. If you're uncomfortable when you see your friends spank their children in front of you, it's not their problem, it's yours. Just get up and walk away until they're done.

Answer 4

In most situations--mind my own business.

In your situation--if possible, I would politely excuse myself (bathroom, phone call, whatever. . .make something up) and leave the room.

The issue of spanking the child in front of you is not about the spanking anymore--it's about rudeness. They are doing something that you're already told them makes you uncomfortable. Once you expressed your discomfort, they should refrain from doing it in front of you--it's just rude. however, since you've politely (I hope) told them already that it bothers you, it would be nagging to do so again. So, in the future, simply remove yourself from the situation without comment. If they're astute, they'll notice and remember what you said. They may also ask you about it--in which case simply say that you understand their choice to spank the child, but you feel uncomfortable watching them discipline their children. No matter what, do not be judgmental or negative.

Answer 5

for one never tell other people how to raise there children big mistake ! report them if you ever see anything that concerns you that its abuse ! I have a sure fire way to stop them spanking there kids ask them after they smack there child / children what are you going to do when that child is grown and is as big as them lol they will have no answer I have 4 children and don't believe in smacking and my children are not angels but they have learnt to think before they do things and the consequences of doing them ! I find parents that smack are just to busy or to lazy to deal with there children and its easier to hit then to take time out of there busy life to discipline !!!

Answer 6

Turn away. Honestly, it doesn't bother me. Since that's how I was brought up. But what bothers me is when parents take their discipline to too far and start slapping their kids faces, or hittin' them upside the head. I hate seein' that. I understand that some don't feel it's necessary to put your hand on your child. And yes, there are other ways to discipline a child. But sometimes the kid just needs a good whoopin to put them back in their place. Cause kids today have no respect.

Answer 7

Nothing. Contrary to popular belief that's the best thing that can happen for a child. When I got spanked it made me respect my parents. Kids today have no fear of their parents and desperately need discipline.

Answer 8

It's their child. If they are spanking the kid then it's because they love it and want it to understand that there are consequences to doing bad things so that the child can grow up into a good adult.
Abuse is another story, but if it's a simple butt whipping then it's basically none of your business.

Answer 9

depends on the situation.... y they are getting spanked and how the person is spanking the child

Answer 10

Tell them that it really bothers you and if you still want to hang out then save the disciplining for home for the sake of your friendship, I tottaly agree with you and I have an 18 month old that is just rude behavior on your friend's part