Should Parents Spank Their Children?

[6kmeagan]

www.sun-sentinel.com/features/south-florida-parenting/sfe-sfp-spanking-children-story.html#page=1
This is a topic in which I am very interested to hear different opinions. In my perspective, spanking should be used as a secondary form of discipline, as opposed to being the first option in acknowledging a child's wrongdoing. For instance, if a parent's 4 year-old were to be caught using inappropriate language in the household, the first response of action should be a stern lecture that explains to the child that this particular word usage is not acceptable. At such a young age, it is essential to first distinguish between right and wrong and find the source in which the child has learned this type of negative behavior. However, if this situation were to arise once again, a subtle spanking would be an entirely reasonable way to respond. Discipline is a process of trial and error. If the corrected behavior is not instilled in the mind of the child in the first occurrence, to ensure that it never reappear again, a more stern approach is needed. In terms of the degree of using this method, there is a fine line between spanking and clear physical abuse. To use any object that could potentially leave bruises on the skin, such as a belt with a steel buckle, to beat the child repeatedly is in no way tolerable. In that case, it is more likely to be remembered as a traumatic experience for the child, rather than learning from wrong behavior. Therefore, the initial disciplinary action of stern verbal correction and secondary method of spanking should be used from a younger age in development in order for a child to outgrow this phase and have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong on his or her own.

[3dnayelin]

I agree with the fact that a verbal correction should be used when trying to discipline a child, but I don't agree with spanking. There are many reasons why parents shouldn't spank their child. Hitting children teaches them to become hitters themselves, In many cases of so-called "bad behavior", the child is simply responding in the only way he can, given his age and experience, to neglect of basic needs and punishment distracts the child from learning how to resolve conflict in an effective and humane way. My parents never spanked me as a child, instead they would take away my favorite toys, not let me watch tv and so on. So while I agree with the points you have made, I do think that there are other alternatives to spanking.

[3mhenry]

I agree with Meagan to an extent. Physical punishment should never be the first or common response to bad behavior, but at a certain point, just talking it out will prove to be ineffective, as the child will realize there is not much consequence to his actions. If you very rarely hit or yell at your kids, when you do on occasion, it has a much greater effect. It gives greater meaning to parental guidelines and rules, and more mutual respect. But the line of what is ok and not is so fine that it would be difficult to judge this on anything other than a case by case basis. My parents never hit me and look how I turned out.

[3rcabuya]

Indeed, the idea of spanking children has been controversial on whether or not to implement it. In addition to the factor of intensity of this form of punishment, cultural ideology is also considered in this debate. What may seem like a forceful act in some cultures/countries is just ordinary practice in other parts of the world. In the United States, the diversity in cultures helps play a role in the issue concerning corporeal punishments; however, a number of countries, especially in Asia, have deemed physical chastisement as mere domestic practice. For example, in the Philippines -a very family-oriented cultured country-spanking is not only a method to correct wrongdoing, but is also a form that emphasizes the value of discipline. In a regular household, parents and older siblings or guardians have the authority to spank and possibly throw things like shoes, heavy books, or anything a Filipino parent can find. At times, there are cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Unfortunately, even this is the first initiative to turn to. A portion of children in the Philippines who have taken a spanking reveal that they have learned to respect rules and authority. I whole-heartedly agree that the spanking of children is not beneficial to their present and future behavior but the factor of a culture’s stance on corporeal punishment should be considered as well.

[AidenC6]

www.researchomatic.com/Why-Parents-ShouldnT-Spank-Their-Children-117117.html

I agree that spanking should be a last resort. As a child grows into a young adult, parents must understand that disciplining their children can affect them for the rest of their lives and their mental development. Especially with teenagers, I think it’s inappropriate to use that form of punishment on someone who is old enough to realize they’ve made a mistake. As I’ve grown up, my parents have used spanking as a form of discipline (not often or recently) and although I don’t think I’m mentally unstable from it, I do think it’s unnecessary and can make one feel scared of their own parents at times. It also shows kids from a young age that it’s okay to hit someone when they do something ‘wrong.’ I found an article online, and one of the quotes stood out to me. “The most vocal critics of corporal punishment call it a shameful and anachronistic practice. They contend that spanking children is not only tantamount to child abuse but also fosters a more aggressive society at large by teaching children that violence is an acceptable way to settle problems (Rosellini 2006)” I agree with this quote, spanking your children shows them that violence is okay, when really it isn’t. Overall I think it’s inappropriate and insufficient to spank your children, just talk to them like a normal human being.

[6caiden]

^ That's mine I just didn't realize I wasn't signed into my account, sorry

[6arianne]

I agree that kids should be disciplined from a young age. Punishment is a reasonable strategy to help guide children in the right direction. However, I do not think spanking should be used as a parent’s first act. Young children are still learning to distinguish between right and wrong. It is important to understand that, at times, they do not mean what they say or do. Parents must first try to make them understand by speaking with their children and explaining to them what they have done. When I was younger, I found this to be just as effective as spanking would be. I understood that what I did was wrong and that I should never do it again. Still, if this method does not work, I believe there are still many methods, other than spanking, to try. Parents have much authority. They are able to take away toys or a favorite item as a punishment. Spanking should only be used as a last resort, as it could cause many challenges growing up. It can encourage violence and result in post-traumatic stress. Overall, I believe spanking should be used, but only as the last option.