Mr November

Certain kinds of physical punishment really isn't as big a deal as people make it out to be (like spanking or forcefully moving a child), but there are probably psychological effects that could spawn from even the most soft of "violent" acts.

But it's ridiculous to tell a parent that spanking their kid makes them a bad parent. It doesn't make them a good parent, but it isn't a write off.

I don't know enough to make a judgement.

Peace Frog

Only to an extent. A spanking never killed anyone, but parents that beat their children should be imprisoned.

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Liljagare

Isn't spanking though beating your children albeit a more acceptable name ? And the spank itself may not have killed anyone but it could have been the beginning of something more violent. To me, I cannot condone spanking. I mean, honestly, hitting a child to make them listen to you? And then later on when they become older and have children, perhaps they too will hit their children because to them it is an acceptable . I just cannot accept this (though, I do live in Sweden and here it is not acceptable to hit a child, in fact we outlawed spanking/slapping/hitting children over 30 years ago. Which makes sense. There are laws the world over that make it illegal to for an adult to hit another adult. So shouldn't these rights extend to children? And shouldn't those nations that signed the UN's rights of a child also enforce anti-spanking? Although the US and Somalia are still currently the only countries who have not ratified it .). Although it gives them something in commen.

I realise that there are many on this thread that are proponents of spanking and accept it as an acceptable form of punishment. Yes spanking may teach a lesson, but it is a short-term solution at best, and also teaches children that violence is an acceptable solution and perhaps encourages more violence in society. To me, even contemplating hitting a child (and I work with them all day) honestly sickens me. And what happens when one spank doesn't work? Do you increase the number of spanks? Brag about the effects of spanking to your friends when they feel that their kids are "out of control" or don't listen? Where are the "Hitting your kids works!" t-shirts? I mean, if you support spanking why not show the world rather than keeping it in the home? Why not let teachers spank kids as well (as they say, there should be a commen thread between the home and the school..)?

I cannot see how speaking does not equal beating and does not only incorporate physical violence but also psychological violence. There are many positive, more effective long term solutions that do not incorporate violence.

I do apologize for the slight sarcasm in my text but..come-on..what did that little kid do that makes them deserve a smack?

Guybrush

The daughter of american judge William Adams published a video showing her parents disciplining her when she was 16. The video is awful to watch (you've been warned), but hopefully it will spark some discussion in the US (where millions can probably relate to the experience) and change some opinions in those on the fence or for corporal punishment.

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Odyshape

I remember one time my mom pulled me off my bed by my hair once. I think I punched her though I can't really remember haha. I remember actually thinking I had it coming so I must have REALLY done something awful.

Farfisa

If my mom or dad beat me I would be fine with it. I don't like being the reason my mom never really go to enjoy her younger years. That doesn't mean I'd beat me kids though.

midnight rain

Eh I remember my parents using physical discipline on me as a kid. My dad hit me with the belt a couple times back in the day and I remember him picking me up by the neck and throwing me onto the ground but I'm pretty sure I turned out normal and I don't think I'm going to be some wife beater or anything like that Judge Adams. I guess I'm kind of neutral, it worked cause it scared me from getting into trouble as a kid, but I don't think I'll do it as a father.

ribbons

I am the parent of two and am absolutely 100% against the hitting of children. It’s just wrong and I have never laid a finger on my kids. There are much more humane and reasonable methods to discipline children, such as the use of time outs, taking away privileges, etc. These methods do take patience and consistency to enforce, but guess what? That’s your job as a parent. You are the adult, you are supposed to be setting the example. Hitting children is not a good example. If the child has serious behavioral problems, then make sure the child gets professional counseling – and make sure you get professional counseling as well. I’m sorry, but I think disciplining children – even difficult children – by hitting them is the lazy and easy way out.

Urban Hat€monger ?

The video does nothing to change my mind.
That's not discipline, that's abuse and there already laws to stop people acting that way towards children.

I fail to see the correlation between what's in the video and giving a child a tap on the back of the hand as a last resort if they are doing something that could potentially be a danger to themselves.

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Guybrush

I could be wrong, but I don't think the parents did anything illegal in that video. It's been in the news in the US, but (afaik) none of them are being persecuted by law over this.

I also don't think it's uncommon for parents to loose their cool when it comes to corporal punishment. After all, many seem to use it as a way to overpower the child and if what you're doing is not working, one way to try to change that is turn up the intensity of the discipline.

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