spare the rod?

I agree with you..there is a difference between discipline and abuse. The abuse got so out of hand and people finally did something about it that it makes it almost impossible to discipline your child...but then its your fault when your children get in some kind of trouble. Whats wrong with the kids these days is that they don't get spanked. They are spoiled and know they can get away with it because all they have to do it scream abuse. The don't realize what damage that can cause their family. You need to start early...if you let your toddlers get away with the tantrums now, they'll never get over them. With age those tantrums get worse and harder to control. Threaten and follow through....follow through is the most important part. After awhile you don't even have to get that far cause your kids know you mean business. I could go on for days...its none of the governments business, unless the child is indeed being abused.

I agree there is a difference between spanking and beating. We got spankings when we grew up. We didn't have the disrespect for adults that kids seem to have toward adults now days. Not all kids but a lot of them. I think the government need to but out. they need to focus on the war and get out boys and girls out of iraq. Let the parents deal with their kids.

I too think it's stupid for the government to come into my home and tell me how to raise my children. If a child is getting beaten, then of course someone should step in. But there is a big difference between spanking and beating.

I think it's a crock. I'm so tired of the gov't stepping on our toes. Now we can't raise our own kids? But who is the first person to blame when the child does something wrong? Mom and dad. I think it's insane to make this a law. Kids aren't stupid. They'll abuse the heck out of this law! They thought kids were out of control before?!? Look out if this gets passed! Kids will be doing whatever they want, knowing full and well that their moms and dads can't do a blasted thing, unless they're willing to go to jail for it.

It's obvious that the if such a law can be passed, you really don't "own" your children, in fact, it shows that they are actually the property of the state. I'm sick of the govt. over stepping it's duties but this is the result of our own fault. We passed so much on to the govt. that they think they can now do as they please. take back your rights!

It is about time that children got the same protection from assault that everyone else in this country is entitled to. There is never ANY reason to hit a child.

These law makers have too much time on their hands. They probably didnot raise their own children. I firmly believe in spanking and even a slap on the face when warented. I only needed to slap one of my kids once. When they are back talking continually a supprise slap does wonders. and as far as spanking,it should not be the first action taken but as a last resort. I have seen people say "now honey don't do that as the kid is bitting a brother." How do they intend to inforce this law? Are they going to put camers in all the homes. I se it now befor you can take your baby home we must install these camers throughout your house.

I think that law is wrong, no two ways about it. I don't neccessarily say that spanking is the only way to discipline or punish a child. I'm just saying parents should have the right to if they want to. The government has gotten way too involved and it has caused so many parents to be afraid to be parents. The government says we can not do something with our kids well that's fine but then you get so many people in the world that become watch dogs and take things to extremes. The ones that if you yell at your child are ready to call the cops or DCF on you, let alone if you actually touch them (and I don't mean abuse). Adding in more laws determining what parents can and cannot do is just going to make it worse. Parents will be afraid to do anything in case someone decides that what they do is wrong. I hear so many complaints about how bad children are now a a days, how they run wild, and do what they want. The reason is because parents are too worried about who might not like how they treat their kids to be parents. The government needs to back out and let parents raise their kids themselves without the interference.

I am with you! Children need firm discipline sometimes in order to be raised with their manners and respect. I also think that they are sticking their noses into someones personal business you can not control a persons life this way it is unfair and unjust! The way i see it is i made my daughters , i gave life to them by bringing them into this world, i clothe and feed them and i love and cherish them not the government!I DO!!!

I think the judicial system is going to be abused with this one, not to mention the incredible burder it will put on the system. I know that my mom was the one who handled the majority of our punishments and for me being so small and my father so much larger (6'1"), it only took a look from him and I'd straighten up (after I got spanked once). I don't have a problem with someone if they want to spank their children, though my girl friend gives her children inventive punishments--scrub the basement floor with toothbrushes or look for a 4-leaf clover in a portioned off section in the backyard. Her girls no longer act up too much now.