What are your opinions on spanking a child?

Question

When i was growing up, whenever i did something that i wasn't suppose to do, i would get a spanking with the belt. I was always scared of that damn belt too, lol. But i grew to learn that if i didn't want that belt on my butt, then i better listen and do as told. Now as i have a child, all of these concerns are coming to the surface about spanking children. What are everyones opinions on this important topic?

Answer 1

there is a huge difference between spanking a child and beating them. spanking is part of discipline. i got the same punishments you got as a child. children learn when something is wrong if they are permanently remembered of what can happen if they do something they're not supposed to do. i don't think there is anything wrong with spanking your child as long as you, as well as your child, know why they're getting punished. the problem begins when spankings turn into twisted games where the child literally has done nothign wrong and still gets "beaten". bruises are from beatings...lessons come from spankings.

Answer 2

I have two kids and both of them have been spanked some. I dont spank my kids until I have tried the time out method first. Then if the repeat the offense that is when they get the spanking. But I always make sure that I am calm before I spank my kids. I was spanked as a child and it did not do anything to me but made me a better person. I don't believe in spanking my child in a public place, but if my kids were doing something that was going to harm them or other people then I might consider a spanking. But I would just keep walking if I saw a parent spank their child, cause it is none of my business. This is just my 2 cents on spanking.

Answer 3

Spanking does not teach that hitting is ok. I hate when people say that. Spanking can be abusive when it is used out of anger and when it crosses the line into a beating. Children need to learn that there are consequences for their actions. If a certain behavior is continued even after time-outs, or revoked prevlidges, then maybe they need a smack on the tush. A child should be spanked because a parent (who is not seething with anger at the time) wants what is best for their child and decides that they need to put a consequence on a specific action. For example: My nephew would always go outside without permission. He was tall enough to unlock the door, so nothing could really keep him inside. He had countless time-outs, actually, he would give himself time-outs (that's how ineffective they had become). He had toys taken away and he was yelled at. One time he went outside and into a neighbor's backyard. No one could find him. When his dad did find him, he took him inside and gave him a spanking. He now asks if he can go outside.
Kids should not be spanked in public.

I also want to add that children who are under two should not be spanked and once they reach around 10-ish they should not be spanked either. They should know what they are being spanked for AND they should not be spanked for everything. If a child is spanked all the time, it will lose it's effectiveness. When a behavior is particularly bad (or dangerous ie: running into the street) then a spanking can be administered.

Answer 4

You have to know yourself. Are you the type of person who can stay calm and discipline properly while a disrespectful child is staring you down? Or are you the type to lose it very easily. If you are the last one, you shouldn't spank because of the risk of going overboard. Spanking gets a bad rap because of people who cannot control their temper when they discipline. A loving mother who wants to correct a child's behavior by giving a little swat on the behind, should not be condemned. ALWAYS explain to the child after the fact that you love him or her and you only discipline because you love him or her. There needs to be closure after-wards and then go back to what you were doing with the child, like nothing happened, that teaches forgiveness.

Answer 5

I, too, was spanked with a belt - sometimes it was difficult to sit without crying. So spanking with a belt is verboten. I think the only time you spank a child is to get his/her attention. One swift spank to the buttocks with the hand should do it. If you need more than that, it's too late. Discipline and respect should be taught before a child is old enough to go to school.

Answer 6

I have two boys and have only had to spank them each once. It was because of the way I did it. I made them tell me why they were going to get a spanking but I let then think about there answer for a half hour before I wanted an answer. Then I gave them the choice of time they wanted to get it, it had to be done that day. And last I had them bend over a stool. The spanking in it's self lasted 15 seconds, and the sting was gone in minutes. But they never forgot the waiting! After it was over, we hugged and I told them I loved them and was sorry it came down to this, but made them understand it was there actions that brought this about. I never had to do it again, and I receive nothing but compliments from family and friends on how nice and well behaved my kids are.
Good luck!

Answer 7

hitting a child is wrong.
But disciplining one is MANDATORY.
I suspect, parents are feeling 'black mailed'.
Especially in the heat of the moment, parents refrain from disciplining their children HARD.
Kids these days are growing up 'later' in life, 20's and not in their late teens. Kids live at home, in part due to expensive real estate prices, but mainly because, they have no reason to move. Parents are too easy on their children. And don't PUSH them fwd enough!? I vividly remember the "last" push my parents gave me, and that was when i was 13 and 14.
I hated them at the time for it, but NEVER regret the push.
I became more self disciplined, and did better in school too.
ie/ My mother use to take me to swimming lessons, every saturday morning. I HATED IT! and until i was 14, i saw the light at the end of the tunnel! and that was, i could become a life guard / swimming instructor! Payed twice or almost three times the min wage. Working my summers, i met tons of friends, had fun and saved enough money to pay my way through university!
thanks mom

Answer 8

In my psychology classes NONE of my professors spanked their children and we learned in class the statistics of what kind of problems it can cause for them. Let me just throw a couple of things out there for you to think about but ultimately it is your decision.
1. Are you spanking your child to make you feel better because you are angry?
2.Does spanking them actually show them how to change the behavior that is a problem?
3. Spanking is easier for parents than thinking of creative ways to discipline their children that actually teaches them something positive.
4. Discipline should not just be about stopping certain behaviors, it also should include teaching the correct or desired behavior.

Answer 9

My son is only 2 months. and im still debating how im going to disipline him. i was spanked hard with the belt when i was in my teens. i think thats wrong.... i also had a tree branch used un my bottom. ouch!!! I never got hit with the hand only belt or what ever else. even had to pull my pants down... I wont do that. i think ill spank only with my hand if i see thats the only way ill get my point across like hes going to touch the hot stove....my husband didnt get spank alot and he was naughty when he was under 5...but his mom also had cancer...

Answer 10

It even says in the Bible to discipline your child. Don't beat a child of course but a swift slap to the bum won't mentally destroy a child. You need to show the child that he/she can't get away with everything. I was spanked along with my 4 brothers and we all came out fine. Some people are just anal about it...oh and don't do it in front of people or else some idiot is gonna go over board and call child services on you for trying to tell your child no. Also, let the child know WHY he/she is getting spanked so they learn.(now let's count how many times i used the word "child.")