Spanking Children

To spank or not to spank? That is the question. Spanking children has been an issue since the start of modern times. In general people against spanking feel that the disciplinary form is abusive and barbaric and scars a child emotionally. However, those who are in favor of spanking believes in general that it cause children to be well behaved and respectful.

So should parents spank their children? In my opinion, yes. However, spanking should be practiced with discretion to prevent abuse.

Reasons to Spank A Child

When a parent spanks a child he or she should have a very good, justifiable reason to do so.

Reason #1- Spank a child when he or she has previously been warned against doing something dangerous, such as attempting to take the family car for a joyride, playing with guns, or playing with matches.

Reason #2- Spank a child for behaving in a way that can cause harm to him or herself and other people.

Reason #3- Spank a child for bullying and harassing siblings and other people.

Reason #4- Spank a child when he or she throws a temper tantrum when he or she cannot have his/her own way.

Reasons Not To Spank

Parents should not use spanking as a part of instructing and training a child. For instance, a child should not be spanked for:

Failing to Keep his or her room clean and do household chores

Failing to study and have good study habits

Failing to properly dress and groom (strangely colored hair and tacky black clothes)

When a child fails forgetful in carrying out instructions and completing tasks

In such instances a parent should take the time to constantly talk to a child and supervise him or her. The parent should set rules and hold a child to these rules by using frequent, firm verbal communication.

What Is The Right Age To Start Spanking A Child

Children in my opinion should not be spanked until the age of four. By that age children have a basic understanding of right and wrong.

What To Use When Spanking A Child

When spanking, use something small and light, like a wide flat ruler, a small switch from a bush, or grandma's house slipper. Never use objects such as electric cords, leather belts with rhinestones and the end of the belt with the metal buckle, and other hard heavy objects. These objects can cause physical harm to a child as well as emotional trauma.

Where On A Child's Body Should He/She Be Spanked

Never spank a child's bare skin. Any marks on the child can cause trouble for a parent if the marks are visible by a teacher, a neighbor, or a child care worker. So when spanking a child the best part to spank is the bottom, and the child should always be fully dressed.

Spanking In A Bad Mood

A parent should never spank his or her child in a fit of anger, nor when feeling stressed. If a parent spanks a child in this emotional condition, he or she would loose sight of the reason for disciplining and release his/ her frustration on the child. The result can be a brutal beating. So a parent should refrain from using spanking as a form of discipline if she or he suffers from stress and anger issues.

If parents want to use spanking to discipline a child they should be careful to do it in a way that would not be abusive. A parent should keep in mind not to let spanking be his or prime form of discipline . Take time out and talk to a child about right and wrong. Talking can develop strong bonds and sincere respect between a child and parent.