This is the question that has been at the center of controversy for a long time now. Some say it’s ok and others do not.
There are a lot of psychologists that says that spanking is not the right thing to do. They say it causes problems. That it causes the child to be more violent and aggressive later on in life. But those of us who are old school, beg to differ. We know better.
We all got spanked and the problems it caused for us are respect for your elders and others, listening to authority, self-control and a whole lot more. And by the way you should be raising your child not letting your child raise you.
You are the adult, it is your responsibility to raise that child to be a caring and responsible human being.
God gives us a blueprint for our lives and it’s called the bible. And if we adhere to his instructions our lives would be a whole lot easier when it comes to raising our children and everything else.
So many parents today want to be friends with their children… news flash…they have enough friends, who are their age. They need you to be what you’re supposed to be and that’s the parent, leading and guiding them.
For those who think that discipline isn’t necessary, talking will do the trick, I have a scenario for you.
Take two groups of school age kids. One group has discipline, morals and values and believes in God and the other does not.
Put one group in one classroom and the other group in another for about five hours. Come back at the end of the day and check with the teachers. Then you decide who had an easier time. I bet a dollar to a dime the teacher with the first group did.
Today’s parents want to put their children in time-out or take something away from them. Still some think that talking to them will do the trick. Well each child is different and if that works for you and your family by all means do it. But for most it doesn’t and now we have a crisis on our hands.
Kids don’t respect authority these days and why do you think that is? And a lot of their parents blame the teacher for their child’s behavior instead of taking responsibility and reprimanding their child. A child learns from what he/she sees and if the parent behaves badly, nine times out of ten, so will the child. You have to be disciplined and stable in order for your child to be.
The following is research that came from psychologists. They say that spanking your child…
1.) Leads to increased aggression
2.) Antisocial behavior
3.) Mental health problems
4.) Low self-esteem
So I guess half of the country who was raised getting spanked sometimes have these issues. I think not. I think it’s the exact opposite.
Using the classroom as an example go to a classroom today. Study it and then compare it to a classroom from 50 years ago. Check the atmosphere. Does the teacher have control? Is she able to teach her class without constantly being interrupted?
We have to stop making excuses for our children’s behavior and call it what it really is…lack of discipline.
As the parent you’re supposed to train them properly. And if along the way you have to spank him/her, then do that. It’s better you do it so the police don’t have to.
We’re not talking about abuse. Of course these are two totally different things. You know the difference.
The research for spanking found that it leads to…
1.) Self-control
2.) Respect for your elders and others
3.) Respect for your parents
4.) Respect for authority
5.) Accountability
6.) More likely to not do drugs
7.) More likely to make the right decisions
8.) Inner strength
9.) Knows the parent cares enough to not want them to make wrong decisions
10.) More likely to think before making a detrimental decision
And just like you reprimand your child when he/she do wrong, let them know and commend them when they do right.
It’s not easy raising children and in today’s society it’s even harder.
Set guidelines and rules based on God’s word and enforce them. Your child will be a better adult and appreciative to you for caring enough about their well-being.
Bottom line…don’t not spank simply because it’s what the masses are attesting to today. And by all means don’t do it if something else is more effective.
But if all else fails, then do what you as the parent have to do. And if that’s spanking, don’t let someone tell you what’s right for your family. Do as Nike says and…just do it!
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
