Whooping your child in public

There are times (few and far between) when a child needs at least a spat right then and there. I don't like to see children spanked in public, but it's better than allowing them to disrupt what's going on and being brats in general. Children need to learn what is acceptable and what isn't and sometimes a spanking is the only way they can learn. It's an old, time honored system of discipline and it works. "Spare the rod and spoil the child" is wisdom that we would do well to heed. Today's kids get away with a lot more than my kids ever did when they were young. They desperately need to learn respect.

I think children should be disciplined immediately. Remove the child from the situation and talk to the child about their disruptive behavior. A child should never be disciplined in the "public" eye, but they should be disciplined. This does not mean I am advocating spanking. I am just saying that the behavior should be dealt with immediately. Do not prolong the discipline and do not embarrass the child. You wouldn't want your boss to yell at you in front of your co-workers, so be considerate of your child. They will appreciate your discretion. It's not really a issue of "spanking" but more of an issue of taking care of the behavior that is unacceptable. If you prolong disciplining your child, it could create a great deal of anxiety.

Always remember, when whooping your child- This little person will choose your Nursing Home some day! Think also about the old saying, "What comes around, goes around!"

I was told once by a policeman that as long as there were no visible bruises and such that there was no problem. This from a policeman!

Its not allowed where I come from. They'll take your kid in a heart beat. That is unless you're of a certain complexion or social status. Then you can smack your kid all day long and no one will flinch.

I don't know what the laws in your country concerning child abuse is, but in ours parents could be jailed for child maltreatment. Or the department of social services could take away their custody of the child if found guilty. I guess, it was likened to the US child protection act. Anyway, you said she could have waited until the service is over to do that. It's not right and it would not be right. Children have rights to same as everyone else.

I believe in a smack if it is called for but not what you have described. While I don't like to judge, that is not a very church like outlook to have. Children need to be trained to do the right thing and disciplined when naughty but scaring a child and hurting them is not the way to go about it, no matter where you are.

The mother was teaching her child violence. I feel sorry for the kid and it must been awful to hear her crying. It is not right to hit a child in our out of the public eye. I believe in distracting a child that is being naughty or giving a warning then a time out.

Spanking a child is never okay...it teaches them that it is okay to hit! Not only that but it sure isn't okay or prudent to punish the child in public...even if it is in the bathroom. The church is a area that is to be respected for the sanctity of the worship and disrupting the service and the sanctity of the worship is worse than anything that the child did. I also have found that yelling at a child doesn't do any good, the child shuts down and is terrified and doesn't hear you or understand what the problem is. I know I did that when my parents yelled at me, if they discussed the problem with me in a calm rational manner I understood what the problem was and was able to adjust my behavior to compensate for the situation. If she was that upset at the actions of her child, she should have taken the child totally outside of the church and out of earshot of the people trying to enjoy the service. Spanking the child in church and yelling like an idiot didn't do a bit of good for anyone and destroyed the service for everyone. Easter is a time of joy and reverence, not for yelling and spanking.

Hi Imani, Whooping a child is never okay, no matter where you do it. That woman should be reported to the authorities. Blessings.

With a very young child, punishment needs to be immediate. I'm not sure that "whooping" a very young child is a good idea, though.

I was spanked as a child, but that was at home, not in public. If you're gonna spank your kids, you spank them at home. And by the way, I turned out just fine.

It is not good to shout on a child in public. When anyone does this to a child, the child feels embarrassed and if this habit is repeated over and over again it is possible that the child may either go in a shell or may become violent and aggressive. Both the extremities are harmful and hamper the normal course of growth in a child.

She could've waited until service was over. I understand disciplining your child but she could've told them in a very stern voice, 'Just wait until we get home'. It would definitely overall been less embarrassing for both her and the child.

I witnessed a pretty good one yesterday myself in a walmart parking lot. This kid was showing out and her mom tore her butt up good. All I could do was laugh and shake my head. The kid had it coming though.

The child was not treated with respect. She could have taken him outside of the Church and dealt with the situation right there and then and I don't mean by spanking. She could have told him of the punishment he would receive when they reached home. If the child was uncontrollable then put him in the car and take him home

If the kids are naughty then parents should discipline them at home. Parents can tell them sternly if you don't behave now wait to we get home. If they behave then forgive them but still remind them that there won't be another chance. If they still make a fuss and misbehave then carry out you treat when get back home to show you mean it.

Even if I am so mad, I have never done such thing in problem. I wouldn't want to make myself ashamed in front of the public as well as let my kid feel the same.

Yes, I agree with you, she should wait for a while until service was over. It is important to respect service in the church. Although, I am not Christian, but I always respect to the service in the church.

I would not spank in public . Bet your butt they are gonna get a spanking when we get home. That is what I would tell the kid through gritted teeth. I do not like to see spanking in public either. It ,akes me think the kid gets a lot worse at home.