What do you think of biblical discipline for your children?

I am an advocate for spanking, when it is administered correctly. Here in Oklahoma, the DHS (department of child services) advocates spankings with a ruler or hand, or spoon. I prefer the ruler, as it shows that it's an object that is used specifically for spankings, and that the child was not just hit arbitrarily, but spanked for discipline with an object specifically for that purpose. I don't think people should use belts, as the belt buckle could cause damage, and a spanking is not meant to bruise or damage the child's skin, but to correct behavior. I personally think spankings should be reserved for defiance, that moment when your toddler looks at you and says, "I will not obey, you cannot make me obey!" and you must meet that with a harsh discipline, and this is when I believe that spankings are most appropriate and affective. I Don't really think that young babies need or deserve spankigns on the bottoms, I have found a quick smack on the hand, when they reach for the stove, or electrical outlet is most affective. THey learn quickly, that every time they disobey mom in this area, thier hand will hurt, and they will stop. I don't think I started spanking my oldest on the bottom until he was almost 2, and even then they were few and far between. I love time outs for other issues. (whining, hitting, etc.) And think it is a very affective discipline tool for most children, although not for a baby under 2. (I do one minute for each age they are, so my two year old gets two minutes) Also, when I say I reserve spankings for defiance, i do not think every act of defiance will neccesarily warrant a spanking either. If my son is jumping on the couch, and I tell him to stop, he disobeys, and I warn him of a spanking, he continues, before I can get to him he falls off the couch, hitting his head hard, and begins to cry. He doesn't need a spanking on top of that, the natural consequences were enough discipline in my eyes. I think people go to two extremes in this issue, they either abhor spankings, and treat anyone who spanks as a criminal, or they go crazy with them, and use them for every childhood indiscretion. Spankings, adminstered correctly are not abuse, but are also not a fix-all for every misbehavior. ALso, I must add, there are simply some children who do not benefit from spankings. SOme children are more sensitive than others, and will fall apart with a simple scolding, let alone a spanking, and should be handled with more care. Of course a child of this nature, will be much more compliant, and most likely rarely earn a spanking. I am a firm believer in spankings, but I don't think it's neccesary that all children be spanked, as long as the discipline chosen is affective and used consistently, I don't see a problem. I think if the parent is uncomfortable with spankings, they should never use it, as thier child will sense thier uneasyness. Also, one more note, (wow, this is getting long) I hate it when I hear parents say "I only use spanking as a last resort" when people do this, they are frustrated and angry, then they spank thier children! This I fear, sends mixed messages to your kids. Either use spankings, or don't, but be consice with when you will use it and for what kind of indiscretions. DOn't wait until you are frustrated and your child is out of control, use it with the first act of defiance, and be consistent, the child will learn who is boss, and comply accordingly. (okay, i'll get off my soap-box now) (:

Still, a child that young shouldn't be slapped or any child at any age at that. And I don't know any 17 month old that deserves a spanking just because they don't listen. A 3 year old is still a toddler, an older toddler and they don't need to be punished by spanking just because they don't listen. Parents need to start talking to their children more offten and get down to their level. Hitting is never the answer and I'm all for the new law and I'm sure it will pass.

Well I grew up with this philosophy and so did many older people....and they turned out fine. I think that there are times...when talking isn't enough. Sometimes children will try and stretch the limits and test you to see how much they can get away with...so at those times a slap on the hand or butt will tell them that you mean business and they won't soon do it again...I belive that they do understand right from wrong and this just helps emphasize that...

This is a perfect example of how people don't read the whole bible. Yes, that phrase you chose is good...but so is Deut 11:19-22 19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: 21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. 22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; KJV That means, one should teach their children not only the 10 commandments, but all of what G-d told Moses. That also includes eating of the clean animals, plants and fish (and some bugs), keeping the 7th day as the Sabbath and observing the 7 Feasts of Israel. I realize that some people are Christians and that's ok with them. If a child learns and observes the Torah, they will know how to act and behave at all times. A well learned child will not have to be spanked or scolded because he'll know what's expected of him from his parents and G-d. Alot of anger and hate could be dealt with by proper teachings in the home. Too bad that the government wants to get rid of this in our schools.

yea i believe in that saying i've seen many kids walk over there parents because all there parents believe in is a time out eventually kids grow smart and realize "oh if i do anything bad all i'm gonna have is a time out"...for some reason when you say spank your kids people automatically think abuse i guess its just the mindset but there is a big difference between abuse and spanking and i also have twin girls when they get to about 2-3 i will do the ocassional swat on the hands because babies and little kids are not dumb by far my girls right now are 10months and the little words they say, they are already telling me "no"...lol but yea kids understand what no means and i will always the first time they do something wrong i will explain it to them on why it is wrong what they are doing and if they still continue to do it then the swat on the hands will happen, and one thing i really can't stand is when parents think it is cute that there toddler says bad words and when they grow out of that stage thats when the parents want to spank them after they were the ones to encourage it

I Firmly believe in spanking. I do not mean spank all of the time. But, someone once said Spank you child now OR they will spank you later. There is such a lack of respect for adults in general now. Look around at the teens that are out of control (NOT ALL) But there are a LOT. For crying out loud I have to go to a GANG AWARENESS for my subdivision with members as young as 6 years old? What the heck? I say as parents with the world around us as it is we MUST step up and disicipline now or what will happen later... I personally spank and will not change. Now mind you I do not do it daily. .but when needed I do not think twice.. And, I never would harm my child but my little girl understands and respects us...

I never hit my daughter when she was young and she turned out just fine. She has a daughter of her own now and she wouldn't hit her either. I was a strict parent as well - or so my daughter tells me now! I feel that an adult should be more resourceful rather than resorting to using physical discipline against a child. I have to say some of the wildest kids I've known are regularly hit and they usually think it's ok to hit out at other kids too. There again I suppose if that's the way they're treated I guess they think it's an acceptable thing to do. As for using "biblical discipline" I think anyone that takes it literally and actually uses a rod or whatever just shouldn't be looking after children.

Because of all the abuse in the world they are trying to pass laws so that as parents we are left with no rights to discipline our children , this is happening all over the world . It is true that chidlren understand right from wrong . My little girl is not two yet and will frown at me when she is caught doing something she knows she is not supposed to do . She knows it is wrong because she will wait until someone leaves the room for a second to try to boot her up the stairs or something like that . She understands by the tone of our voice what is acceptable and what is not and will put out a big lip if she thinks she can make someone feel sorry for her . Children are so much smarter then we give them credit for half the time . I don't believe in hitting my children but I do believe that a rap on the fingers would be more beneficaial to a child then if they were to burn themselves off of a stove or something equally dangerous .

I am a Christian but I DO NOT believe you should ever hit a child. Ever. If you hit an adult you what happens? You are arrested for assault. Why should it be any different for a child? Kids can't defend themselves against adults and why should they? We as adults should care for them, love them, protect them. Not abuse them.