by Leeanna Haugen

Created on: September 16, 2009

Our society is progressively reducing the standards of behavior that are in place. We live in a world filled with people and books telling parents how to discipline their children. It is so bad that some parents are afraid to discipline their children. The result of this is evident in schools and playgrounds across the world. In fact, my daughter's teacher handed out copies of ways to teach your child good manners. It stressed how disrespectful children are to teachers and other students. It was a call for action.

Everyone will agree that children these days are, as a whole, very aggressive and disrespectful. Isn't it odd that this phenomenon coincides with the hype about spankings being child abuse? There is a great difference in me spanking my child to punish for very wrong behavior and me spanking my child because I get a thrill out of it. The difference is the intent and the motive. So, people are willing to nod their head and agree about the problem, but no one wants to actually get their hands dirty and do what needs to be done.

People will argue that children are traumatized by spankings. Well, this may or may not be true. However, if given the choice, would you rather your child be psychologically traumatized by a harsh spanking or dead because the time-out wasn't a sufficient enough deterrent to keep them out of the road? This is not a world where everything is black and white. There is NO one answer. Parents around the world need to consider all options when deciding the best form of discipline for each individual instance.

There are times when parents need to take swift action that will impact a child. There are times when parents cannot afford to have a repeat of the situation. Sure, time-outs are great for name-calling or making a mess. However, in the instance mentioned above about the child in the road, the parent needs to take an action that will effectively deter the child immediately. Spanking is a very resourceful tool. It is bold, can be done swiftly, and will make the impact that is absolutely needed in an instance such as this.

I am not saying it should be a parent's only means of discipline. However, spanking should not be taken out of the possibilities. Children are not going to hate the parents for trying to keep them safe. People who believe that spanking encourages violent behavior from children are not looking closely at the situation. There is more responsibility on the parent than just disciplining. You don't just spank your child and walk away. You have to talk to your child. You have to teach your child.

I don't know who can look at the society we are living in today and not see how children behave. There is no discipline anymore. Then, when there are actually parents who are willing to spank their child regardless of society's distorted views, they are ridiculed. Well, you need only to look at my children and see how they behave. I am very proud of the job I am doing. I have worked very hard to ensure my children have manners and respect. They know I will not rule out any means of discipline. I make my punishments fit the crime. Now, I rarely have to spank my child. The knowledge that I will do what I have to keeps them in line. As their mother, I have the responsibility to teach them how to be responsible adults. My role does not end with kissing their booboos and reading to them at night.

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