Do you spank your children?

Yes, I do spank my children when the need for it arises. I would not support a bill such as this for several reasons. First off, whether one agrees with spanking or not, it violates parental rights to raise their children as they see fit. It also allows the government to get ahold of yet another area of our lives and strip away the freedom. Whether you agree with specific issues or not, most of us don't really want the government controlling our every move. Secondly, I as a Christian, believe spanking to be very biblical, and commanded and ordained from God. A proper spanking (which most people who spank do not do) results in a humble spirit in the child, and true repentance.

This question necessitates a definition of "spanking". It could mean many things to many people, from a slap on the hand to a real fair dinkum belting, designed to inflict pain as punishment, and with the potential of physical harm. I believe that discipline starts from infancy and that discipline is designed to teach and to mold the character. Therefore, discipline primarily needs to be positive. Negative discipline should only be used sparingly and when absolutely necessary. While positive discipline rewards for good behaviour, negative discipline punishes for bad behaviour. If the overall intention is to produce good behaviour, it is easily seen that positive discipline will achieve this more readily than negative. A child will WANT to respond to the positive. When positive discipline is used constantly and consistently from infancy, there will not be many occasions when negative discipline becomes necessary, but it WILL happen. The way negative discipline is used depends on the age, likes and habits of the child. Taking away privileges, favourite toys, TV time, outings, special treats, etc work well with many children. To return to the question of spanking, once again the definition is essential. From babyhood, a sharp "No!" accompanied with a slap on the hand is probably the favourite means of teaching as well as preserving from danger. During the "terrible twos" some people find it necessary to enforce discipline with a slap or hit. While I think this is unnecessary in the majority of cases, it is the parents' rights and their decision; but should never be administered in anger or with perceived hate or vengeance. To summarise, I believe positive discipline will accomplish much more, but where negative discipline, including spanking is necessary, it should be done in the right atmosphere, with the right motive, with the child understanding the reason, and should not be enough to inflict harm. A very complex question and one that needs to be addressed in this increasingly violent society. Thanks

Certainly i spank my kids but for their own good! but not a spank that could almost hurt my kids! I love my kids that's my way of descipline