Can't spank kids under the age of 3

I agree with mzbubblie. Parents know the situation and how their child will repsond to various methods of discipline. I don't think the government should tell a parent what methods to use beyond ensuring there are controls to prevent abuse. I have found that time outs, withholding privileges and expressing disappointment to be as effective as spanking with my grandchildren because we have been consistent with these methods of discipline since they were infants. First they were taught "No" or "Naughty" accompanied with a tap on the butt or hand. As they got older, they were taught consequences, if you are told No or Naughty and continue the behavior, you will be put in time out. Today an actual spanking is reserved for the rare times when the other steps of punishment are not effective. I honestly cannot remember the last time I had to spank the three year old and telling the one year old "Naughty" can reduce her to tears. The older children usually get a time out or a lecture, or a toy or privilige taken away.

You both have covered this very well. I don't want the government stepping into my home and telling me what I should and shouldn't do with my kids. To me this is ridiculous.

I say the same I sure don't want my child to grow with no respect or morals and values.

All kids are different and some kids respond to time outs and such but then again there are kids that need direct attention "ie" spanking. AS for barbaric do you read the bible??

I do not think a swat on the butt, especially over a diaper, is barbaric. I was spanked, and I turned out fine. My parents knew when to draw the line. It's not like I was slapped around. An explanation came with the spanking. And, as the other poster said, kids respond to different forms of discipline. Try rationalizing with a 2 year old who's autistic. Wait, try rationalizing with any 2 year old! It cannot be done. Little little children have no understanding of logic.

That is a very true fact , they are just too young yet to understand, but they will understand a swat on the bottom. good point.

The kids are geting more control over the parents this is so true. Time outs work for some but no all .. :)

That's so true. I'm sitting here laughing. My Mom would come after my twin sister and me with the wooden spoon. Reminding us that it'll sting when wet (when we were arguing in the tub). And, I too believer, it's to embarrass not to inflict physical harm or pain.

I remember the fly swatter too... lol

Most definetly there is a difference,and spanking a child doen't in any way harm a child. Beating a child is unthinkable.

I think that what you say about a small % of the parents beating their kids is true. That is not leagal now. They don't care what the law says to start with, so I don't think that the law will result in anything more than starting a bunch of trouble. People that are just trying to raise their kids with manners and morals will suffer.

I totally agree. Different methods work for different kids. My brother hardly EVER got a spanking. Taking something away from him was sufficient. But me...I was a wild child and you could take everything I had away from me and I would still run my mouth and try to get the last word (I'm just like my dad). So I got spankings. They worked for me. But with every spanking came an explanation of why I got the spanking, what I could have done differently, and what I should do differently next time. And every spanking also ended with me sitting in my dad's lap apologizing for what I knew I did wrong, and my dad wrapping me in his arms and telling how much he loved me. I never felt abused. EVER. And this spanking law is essentially useless. It is to prevent abuse, mostly, as we all know. However, parents who abuse their kids are doing it illegally now. What makes anyone think that making a law about WHEN you can start spanking your child will change how an abusive parent handles their anger? This law won't solve any abuse issues and it can't be maintained simply because the government can't see what happens in your home.

Very true, I totally believe in spanking myself. I have 3 kids and 3 grandkids they all are totally different and some punishments are not right for some and for others spanking is the only thing that will get the attention of the child.

You're very welcome to the compliment. Credit where credit's due and all that. I'm giving you a + for this.

I am so glad you responded ...your view has been another side of the coin ...all kids don't need to be spanked and you are proof of that ...I am in agreeance with you as for when kids should be spanked ... only the parent that lives with this child knows what they need... thank you for the compliment .. :) I am really enjoying reading all the responses too ..all very intersting ...

I was not aware Australia had a law like that,so in your country they are finding out to be causing more problems than good it sounds like. A shame. The poor kids there.I think the parents should have control over this not the government too.

You made a great pont when you said " the government has no right to tell you the proper age" they don't know you kids like you do. Unfortunately the government is giving control to our kids, kids can divorce their own parents for pete's sake. Glad you enjoyed it. i feel very strongly on this issue with the government trying to tell me to not spank my child. I love my kids dearly and will do what needs to be done for them and the government can go make more laws to keep criminals away from my kids and family, then I will respect what they stand for.

Well I wonder too , Ca. is quite different from my state but next it will Florida and I don't want to see that.

Thats funny ,but in a way its not,I feel spanking are sometimes nesscary for some kids, and maybe your nephew needed one but he also knows the ways of getting out of one too, if this law is passed what do you think he will say to his Mom next ??? I don't look down on anyones opinion here , if they spank their own kids or not , only you know your kids so you should be the one to decide...

Well, I don't spank my daughter but I do discipline her. My parents were a little rough when it came to spankings. My nephew couldn't have made a more valid point, when he was asked *do you know why you were spanked?* his response was all I know is I wasn't born to be beat! I found it amusing, but my sister was not so amused.

I beg to differ about kids under 3 being to young to understand. I have a 2 yr.old that can count to 20 and say most of her ABC's, they are very smart and can understand at that age... When parents get frusterated then they shoudn't be spanking their kids... they need to give time outs then .

Kids are much smarter now...I am glad to hear how well your son is doing...keep up the good work ....

I also disagree. They are definitely able to understand, even to the extreme of being able to tell if you don't think they understand you and manipulating you with that. My 2 year old can also say most of his ABC's and quote back certain books we read. He knows to put all of his toys away, helps me put dishes away, sets the table, helps with the laundry, helps change his sisters diapers etc etc etc. He understands virtually everything I say to him. People are constantly amazed at how intelligent he is. I think he's smart, but I think a lot of it has to do with I've always expected a lot of him and he's always working to keep up.

Get out is right!!! I still can't believe that they think they can do this.

I take it you don't care for Ca. huh me neither not a place I wan to live or even visit. I just don't want the same law in my state. The earthqauke joke was funny :)

Hey thats ok I feel very strongly about this issue too :)

Yea I went on a little rant their, lol. Anyway No I don't think the government should tell us what to do with our children or our lives.

This is another example of the great things one can find here ...

Yes most definetly I am talking about a spanking to teach your child a lesson to in anger out of love...The website is awesome thank you so much ...

I'm so glad you checked it out! I love that site and return to it constantly to get more info. I have "To Train Up a Child" and the three "No Greater Joy" books as well as the mailbox tapes etc. I give away To Train Up a Child whenever I can. I keep extra copies around just so I can. The newsletter they send out is always full of good and useful information too, and it's FREE :)

well in my eyes a swat on the butt is a spanking ... and some kids respond to that and some don't ...alot of kids never need a spanking as they responder right before you has stated she never gota spanking ...but it shouldn't be in the governments hands this choice ... thank for responding

I must say most kids before they are 3 know what the word no is and means ... so confinement is better than a spanking when you confine a child when does he get to learn whats right and wrong ...??? ...hhmmm I don't know if like the sound of that ... thanks for your response ... another side of the coin ...lol

I can't see anyone spanking a baby, we are talking about toddlers ...but thanks for responding ..its nice to see a different view point

Hmm, I have to say that children under 3 know how they should and shouldn't behave if they've been raised properly. They are fully aware of certain things that they can and cannot do. Toddlers can be very caniving, and throw fits just to try to get what they want. They think crying will get it for them, so they use it. They are smarter than people give them credit for.

that may be... thanks so much for adding your opinion

I can't even imagine that you have children! How in the world can you not realize that children at the age of 2 have no concept of right or wrong????!!!! A spanking is not a beating! And a beating is inhumane!!! There is as much difference between spanking and beating as there is between night and day!!!

iamiramadnama , I am going to disagree with you ...I have a 2 yr old and she very much understands what is right and wrong now...How long has this law been in effect in your country ?? I am curius as I have talked to people in Australia and they are saying that the kids are out of hand and there is no controling them now ...sad for the kids and parents alike

very well said ...the kids are getting the upper hand and this will just increse that situation ...thanks