Q: Is it okay to spank your child?

Tags: spanking okay improve child behavior

Nicole Healy
Yonkers, NY

A: I'd say no

I know that this is a controversial topic, but I, in no way, think it is okay to spank your children. First off, it sets the example that violence is a form of discipline. Your child may internalize that and begin to think that it is okay to hit someone if they have done something wrong. Secondly, it changes the way that your child views you. You are no longer someone who is looking out for their best interest and trying to guide them, but are, instead, someone who gives up and hits them. I think that there are many other ways to discipline your child, such as taking away tv time or video games or play dates. Hitting is not the answer.

C.H.
AZ

A: Yes

Just read the above answer and couldn't disagree more. I am 30 and growing up I received my share of spankings and now are thankfull for every one of them. I didn't make me think it was ok to hit somebody i didn't like, or turn to violence to solve my problems. At the time, sure i didn't like my dad at all, in fact i'm pretty sure i said i hated him under my breath. But now as a productive adult I am glad he set me straight a time or two. It taught me there were consiquences for my actions and bad behavior. Spanking isn't always the answer, in fact most of the time its not, but it definitly has its place. The punishment must out-weigh the pleasure of whatever it is you child is thinking about doing. In fact, in some cases spanking can save you childs life, if he/she knows that if they touch the electrical outlet, go into the street without an adult, stay out past dark without calling, they are going to get a spanking, most likely they won't do it. Sometimes there has to be some horsepower behind the words we say.