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I believe spanking is an acceptable form of correction if administered in a loving manner. By loving, I mean having the childs best interest at heart. A spanking should never stand alone, but with it should be a calm explanation and a time to discuss why the action the child took was wrong. This is also a time to discuss other options that were available to the child in the situation, not a time for a parent to vent anger. After a spanking, the issue should be completely forgotten, and the child not made to feel guilty about it time after time. Spanking is not the solution to every wrongdoing and should not be the only form of correction given. There are many times when just a conversation or explanation will do just fine.

There is a big difference between this kind of correction and beating a child or abusing them. Loving correction does not include yelling at a child and lashing out in anger. I think this is very detrimental to a child and teaches that being out of control and hitting are okay. I see this 'discipline' as a release for the parent, not an opportunity for correction. Parents should be sure they have control of themselves and are not angry before administering any kind of punishment. Yelling and hitting at a child is not conducive to a good relationship.

I believe that spanking removes some of the guilt of doing wrong, and the child will even to some extent feel relieved. Have you ever gotten caught doing something you knew you shouldn't, and felt better after getting caught? I have heard children confess to doing something wrong and asking 'Should I get a spanking for this?' without fear or anger on their face. I think they realize that they will no longer feel guilty, and will have paid the price for their wrongdoing. Most children have some sense of justice.

In closing, I would like to share a short testimony. I know of a very loving family that did not 'believe in' spanking - their children were terrors! They would mock adults and were uncontrollable. Once the parents started spanking the children were completely different. It was amazing! They became respectful and enjoyable to be around. The children were not afraid of the lectures and time outs, but the spanking made them think twice. Without spanking, the choice to do right was left to their own immature conscious which had little concept of consequences.

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