Does Spanking Borderline Abuse?

There have been many arguments and debates covering the issue of whether spanking is healthy or merely abuse extended at the hands of a parent. This debate continues today and will always be at the forefront on child protective groups and advocates against spanking. With attention on the latest news surrounding the drowning of 5 children at the hands of their mother, the premeditated murder by a mother who drove her kids off a bridge and the videotape showing a mother slapping her daughter repeatedly in a heat of rage.

Is this a new measure of discipline or parenting gone out of control? This has brought on a definite fear in many parents as they consider ways to effectively discipline their children without the threat of losing their children to child protective agencies like New Mexico’s Children Youth & Families Department or that their child might be negatively affected by the choice of spanking. So fear not parents! If you listen to our parents, and grandparents, it never destroyed our physique or turned us into green monsters who are reeling out of control.

In a recent pole conducted by Parenting Magazine (May 2003) asking “Have you ever spanked your child?” 64% of parents said a resounding Yes! Many child psychologists say spanking can be harmful if done with abusive intent and with no confirmation or affirmation. Spanking should be administered with the intent of stopping bad behavior and getting their attention says Vicki Janchowksi of Virginia. Spanking can be a strong resource for stopping continual bad behavior in order to develop a sense of discipline in the child.

The magazine poll states that 20% of those poled say they rarely spank the children because they want to make an impression when they do something really bad. Some don’t spank everyday because sometimes it is worth talking about their behavior first. Then there are the 16% who emphatically say NO! Their reasons range from spanking is abusive, it’s hitting, it destroys self-esteem and it causes fear in parents. Hello! This is the prime reason for administering this form of discipline. When all else fails, whip their behinds! This form of discipline is done or should be done with the intent of protecting the child from harm and establishing a sense of urgent awareness about the dangers in their behavior. So parents feel confident about your choice of spanking