I was spanked occasionally as a child. When I got into my teens, spanks turned to slaps in the face. Thankfully though, the stepmother who did it never ventured into belt/switches territory; she always used her hands.
Call it my "liberal agenda", but I do not believe in spanking as a good form of discipline, and I strongly hold to the opinion that using objects to enforce/increase the child's pain is abuse that should be banned from society. I can look back to my childhood and say with confidence that spanking taught me nothing aside from how to fear and distrust the person who did it. It taught me that when words can't solve a problem, it is acceptable to turn to physical violence in order to do so. Additionally, spanking a kid does not teach a child why something wrong, only that it should not be done in the parent's presence or so that the parent will find out. The result of this, I think, is short-term obedience, not the long-term sort that is more beneficial for the kid.
I've heard some pro-spanking parents tell me, "Well it's okay because I take the time to explain to the child why something is wrong and the consequences of their actions before I spank them, so that they already understand the wrong in their actions." Well okay, but then why is the spanking necessary? Why is it necessary to add fear into the mix? Pro-spankers tend to have this opinion of children that they are devious, cruel, dishonest little creatures who will lash out if spared the rod. I do not agree with this line of thought, and I find it harmful overall to civilized society.
Call it my "liberal agenda", but I do not believe in spanking as a good form of discipline, and I strongly hold to the opinion that using objects to enforce/increase the child's pain is abuse that should be banned from society. I can look back to my childhood and say with confidence that spanking taught me nothing aside from how to fear and distrust the person who did it. It taught me that when words can't solve a problem, it is acceptable to turn to physical violence in order to do so. Additionally, spanking a kid does not teach a child why something wrong, only that it should not be done in the parent's presence or so that the parent will find out. The result of this, I think, is short-term obedience, not the long-term sort that is more beneficial for the kid.
I've heard some pro-spanking parents tell me, "Well it's okay because I take the time to explain to the child why something is wrong and the consequences of their actions before I spank them, so that they already understand the wrong in their actions." Well okay, but then why is the spanking necessary? Why is it necessary to add fear into the mix? Pro-spankers tend to have this opinion of children that they are devious, cruel, dishonest little creatures who will lash out if spared the rod. I do not agree with this line of thought, and I find it harmful overall to civilized society.
