Poll: Is spanking good or bad?

Question

I personally feel spanking or corporal punishment rather, is one of the most pathetic discipline methods ever created. I feel it's hypocritical (you hit your child, then tell them not to hit others), I feel it's ineffective long-term wise (it stops the behavior at that time, but they just do it again), and I feel it's detramental to their overall well-being (I was spanked pretty hard as a child, and I'm still traumatized).

I think it's lazy too. I think parents do it because they're too lazy to try the other methods. Spanking is a quick fix, but teaching your child new behavior is something that takes time and patience, and I think those parents don't have it.

Anybody agree/disagree with me?

Answer 1

Man, I see so many rude 5 years olds in the grocery store that scream and holler because they didn't get their way and I definitely think they need a spanking. I don't think you should spank your kid to leave them traumatized or battered, but just to knock some sense into them. Society is so backwards these days that kids are practically ruling their parents (and by kids I mean 11 years and under) and parents are doing absolutely nothing. So do I agree with spankings? yes. Do I agree with flogging children so bad that they're taken away by child services? no.

Answer 2

Here's my take on the matter:

If it is the ONLY form of punishment that is being employed, then yes, the person (parent or parents) doing the spanking are indeed being lazy.

There is also a big difference between spanking and abuse. It sounds to me like you were abused,if I may quote your statement:

(I was spanked pretty hard as a child, and I'm still traumatized).

Also I agree with your statement:

I feel it's ineffective long-term wise

However, it unfortunately in the younger childhood years is sometimes (not always) the only method of discipline that will get the child's attention at the time and stop the behavior. However, spanking (and I do mean spanking, not BEATING) alone is ineffective, because the child does not learn what it was he or she was punished for, only that he or she got spanked.

One or two little swats usually do the trick, using a belt or switch is not neccessary. Spanking is a Biblical form of discipline, and yes, the King James talks about "beating your son with a rod" but I don't think King Solomon literally meant BEAT them. You know how limited in translation the King James is.)

But while we're discussing the Bible here, the entire book of Proverbs is a record of King Solomon's teachings, advice, encouragement and instruction to his son.

This shows that spanking is only PART of the Bible's method of discipline, so again, spanking, in my opinion, is not bad if this method of correction is employed correctly and is intended as an "attention getter/correction" and is not done out of pure anger and retaliation towards the child.

In other words, if nothing else works at the time, a couple of light swats, nothing more, not HARD spanking done simply to show who's in charge and/or who has the power as some spankings (or I would call BEATINGS) are given to show.

One final thought, I will never forget the time my mother was very angry at whatever I had done at the time and she got a very long, very thick TREE LIMB and beat me with it, which left whelps all down my back and the back of my legs.

I don't remember what I did to "deserve" such treatment, but I remember the spanking to this day and that's been almost 30 years ago.

Sorry, one more thought in closing: As I was previewing this, I saw your mention of corporal punishment. If you mean, teachers and/or principals giving students "swats" at school like they used to do and still do, then I am AGAINST corporal punishment. We do not allow my daughter's school to use this as a form of discipline.

Answer 3

I feel it is an acceptable form of discipline when the situation calls for it. 1) I will take a similar approach that my grandmother did when raising me. When words are not enough to get a crucial message through (usually for the child's safety, like running across a busy road) then spanking is acceptable to reinforce that message. My children will be spanked if the situation calls for it. 2) For basic bad behavior (temper tantrums) I was given a verbal reprimand and deprived of a luxury. For dangerous disobedience (like trying to play with the lawnmower when I was 5) I would be spanked.

Answer 4

I totally disagree. Since the incorporating of the no spanking "rule" there has been a major increase of school violence & just too much other b.s. There is a difference from discipline & beating, which seems to be what was your case. Are you going to be one of those parents who is going to blame the media when your kid/s do something wrong?? That is the problem. Parents won't/can't/don't take responsibility for their children. Why?? Because if you spank your kid you are turned in to children's services or some dumb crap. A spanking NEVER hurt anyone. You have to have discipline. You just can't send a "kid" to the room. Too many game systems, phones, computers, tv's, etc. & where's the punishment in that???

Answer 5

Let's look at it this way. Our parents, their parents, their parents parents etc.. were all spanked, for the most part.

Now look at how the world is gettin WORSE & WORSE as less children are getting spanked. It's a very valid & reasonable comparison. and it's the truth. If some of these bratty, delinquet children had a good *** beating once in awhile, they wouldn't be so awful. They would listen to their parents, go to school, etc etc.

I'm not saying beat them up & leave marks. Smack their *** so it stings & they'll listen up. It's your child, you gave birth to it, so it's yours. That's how it works.

Oh, & if you're traumatized by being spanked, then they weren't spanking you, they were abusing you. That's awful. I see too that you have been molested (in other questions). That is awful. I feel for you. I'll be praying for you.

Answer 6

Back in the day when spanking was the norm kids respected their parents, did not join gangs and just were not like how kids are now. I am for spanking as long as it dont become abuse or hurts the child

Answer 7

just as long as you dont really hurt the kid. not too hard. but i think normal spanking is good, as long as it is not overdone or overused. the problem with kids today is that their parents let em get away with anything, give them anything they want, and do not punish them when they need to be punished,

Answer 8

I disagree, mostly for the same reasons the others here do

Answer 9

I think if you discipline your children the the right way you wouldn't have to spank!

Answer 10

Look the intention is the deciding factor, if your intention is to good for the child there is no wrong in it, but if your intention is to be cruel, its an abuse.

Intention is what you have to look for.