“My dad used to give me a good belting when I was young and I turned out alright.” That’s the kind of comment we hear from those who think that discipline is all about a jolly good whacking.
On the other end of the scale there are those who believe that any kind of physical discipline is not only wrong but harmful in the long term.
What about you? Do you think that parents should be able to smack their kids?
A two and a half million dollar. tax payer funded, campaign is about to get underway in Australia to try to stop parents from smacking their children. This story from News.com.au tells us that those behind the campaign believe that smacking children shows that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems.
The message will be spread via a set of guidelines which will be available in 16 languages. We’ll be told that physical punishment can undermine a child’s sense of love and security, causing children to become anxious, fearful or rebellious.
What are your thoughts on physical punishment?
We very rarely smack our children and when we do, it is one short smack and that only comes after an explanation of why the smack is needed. It is never ever done in anger. It is not done in front of any other children. The object of smacking is not to cause harm but to show there are consequences to actions and it is always done with corrction and reconciliation in mind. With our kids being 10 and 8 they’re mostly past the smacking stage. We still use a number of other methods of discipline.
I think the issue is a very relevant one that we need to look at closely. A lot of smacking seems to be done in anger. That’s child abuse. Lashing out when we are angry teaches a child that they can lash out when they’re angry. I believe that whipping with a leather belt, a cane or other forms of harsh punishment are also abuse. Belts are for holding your trousers up, not for whipping children.
Did you get smacked as a child? Do you think it was helpful or harmful? Do you believe that there is a place for smacking in raising children? What other methods of discipline have you found helpful?
I guess the other question we must ask is whether it is a parent’s right to smack or not. Do you think that governments should have a say in how we discipline our children? If most of our society considers smacking to be child abuse, should those who smack their children be charged?
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: Smacking – Discipline – Parenting
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Not having children means I?m seeing the issue from only one side, but as you mentioned, I too was given the belt or a smack when I was a youngster as well. I have no problem with parents administering a gentle snack (to not cause any injury or serious pain), in fact I think it?s a good thing as long as (and again you mentioned this) the child understands why he?s being punished.
And for the record, I think I grew ok too. 😉
…I’m all for it.
A smack appropriately used lets the kid know that the parent meant business. I am glad I was smacked as a kid. I think learning that actions have consequences is valuable for life and I don’t know if kids really get the whole alternate ‘sent to your room’ until a certain age.
There is a line between physical abuse and a smack.
I agree with what’s been said so far. They are trying to pass this legislation in NZ at the moment. About 90% of the population disagrees with it!
I don’t like the government legislating such things (as long as it hasn’t crossed the line into physical abuse). What next – What we eat?