There has always seemed to be much controversy over spanking as a means to discipline kids. There are two sides to the issue, and many well-spoken points to argue for both sides. So, is there any real advantage to using spanking as a means for discipline, or should it cease to exist? You decide.
Why some believe spanking is effective:
- It is a physical way of modifying a child's behavior without causing physical injury.
- The Bible supports this type of discipline when used as actually prescribed by the Bible.
- Other methods of discipline have not worked.
Why some believe spanking is ineffective:
- It only teaches a child to fear his parents and not respect them.
- It teaches a child that you can use physical means to get your way.
- It can physically harm a child, especially if a parent is angry when delivering the spanking.
- It hurts a child's self-esteem.
Most parents would agree that there is a huge line between spanking as a disciplinary measure and actually abusing a child with physical harm. Spanking is defined as, "To slap on the buttocks with a flat object or with the open hand, as for punishment. " (Dictionary.com) This definition does not imply beating a child to get your point across. It has also been suggested that before spanking a child, you should tell the child why they are being spanked and do it in a calm manner. In other words, it should not be delivered in the heat of anger.
The Bible does have Scripture to support discipline. Proverbs 13:24 says, "Those who don't correct their children hate them. But those who love them are careful to train them." (NIrV) While this verse does not specifically state spanking a child is the way to train your child, the NIV version of this verse says, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Many Christian parents have taken this to mean a stick (or nowadays a hand) as the means of discipline. A rod was used by shepherds to direct their sheep where to go. It is sometimes thought that the rod used to discipline children is any means that keeps a child going in the right direction, and not necessarily with the use of a spanking. What do you think?
Still some parents just strongly disagree with the whole spanking issue and have found alternatives to spanking, such as "time-outs" or taking away privileges. Some parents like to take a pause before they talk with their children about what made them angry. For instance, tell your child, "I am angry right now, and I am going to discuss this with you later." This way the child knows that you are displeased, but you want to gain composure before handling the situation.
Hopefully, after reading some of the points discussed in this article, you will be able to satisfy in your mind what is right for your family.
