Spanking Children: Why you should do it.

Spanking

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 VS. 

                                           

Timeout

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There seems to be a huge debate about whether or not spanking a child is consider an appropriate form of discipline. Let me be clear, I believe that a child not only should be spanked, but that it is required in the upbringing of a child. Many parents now disagree and this seems to be a hot issue of late. There are articles in favor of a pro spanking attitude and of course articles against spanking. Both claiming hard evidence that either works. So which is it? I believe a lot of that depends on the parent and child and the motivation behind the discipline. I believe that spanking a child every time they misbehave is wrong. It undermines the disciplinary action and shows that the parent really has no control over the child. Likewise, I find that timeout for every situation and discussion of the issue with every situation fails as well. You are the parent and if the child is acting out they don't always need to discuss it with you. A blatant attempt at acting out or being disrespectful needs more punishment then "why did you do it son?" There is also a big difference between a spanking and child abuse, let's be clear about that. I hate when people compare the two and say they are the same thing. Obviously, if the parent is out to hurt the child then spanking is wrong, but that parent really isn't in the business of helping the child anyway.

        A swift spanking with disciplinary action in mind and not to hurt the child is a far cry from leaving a bruise or a broken bone. So everyone who will make that argument just don't because anyone with half a brain can realize the difference. I think the blending of these methods, along with other techniques is the way a parent should raise their child. The reason I feel so strongly about spanking a child is because of the way it was successful in the past. It was also successful in my life and taught me the lessons it was intended to teach. Children respected their parents and they knew that it was foolish to test their parents patience and understanding. Look at our generation today. The lack of respect, work ethic, and overall ability to be successful should make a lot of people against spanking realize that these "new age" methods are not working. Be the parent and take charge of your child instead of having a discussion and telling them that what they did was wrong and then letting them go back out to play. Again, these things all go back to the ability of parents to care and make sure their child is doing what they should be doing.


      So if you are a parent who believes that timeout is the only way to go then please consider how our generation is now, compared to how children acted in say the 40's and 50's. I would say they had a few more things right back then than we have now, and if you disagree look at how you were raised, maybe you could have benefited from a spanking or two? Spanking a child builds character and discipline. Only using timeout as a form of punishment teaches children that they can get away with things and undermines respect and discipline. What if timeout doesn't work? What if the kid just never learns from that form of discipline? I know the argument can be made the other way as well, but that's why I believe a blending of methods is important. I am talking to the people who will never consider spanking. If the child doesn't respond to timeout and discussion, what then? If you keep repeating the same things with no response, you are responsible for that child being a terrible person in life. That is why our kids are so disrespectful and acting out younger and younger, they don't understand respect. They feel entitled. Show them that they are not entitled and hard work is what pays off. If you love your kids then prove it by showing them how to be a better person and more respectful. That means spank them when they are being little brats.