I believe that corporal punishment can be
used in
some instances with
some children. However, it doesn't work with every child, and with some children, it simply isn't necessary.
It ought to be a LAST resort, imo, but too many parents use it first.
It should be limited, and not given out of anger, but too many parents spank when they're too angry to discipline properly, or when a child is simply trying their patience.
Small children should not be spanked. In my opinion, spanking ANY child under the age of
1 IS
abusive, but unfortunately I have seen it happen way too many times. Under 2, it's questionable, because I think children can learn to respond to pain, but they don't truly understand WHY they are being subjected to the pain, which makes it unnecessary. Spanking a child 2 and under is more often the result of lazy parenting, rather than a misbehaving child.
In our home, we only spank for three things:
1. Direct or open disobedience.
2. Actions that place the child in immediate danger.
3. Lying, stealing or any other [deliberately] sinful activity.
AND, we don't always spank them even for those things, or I should say, we rarely spank our kids at all--because there are so many other methods of discipline that just work better.
We do not EVER spank our children for acting childish. Period. And we do not spank out of anger. If one of us is too angry to be calm, the other parent steps in.
Further, I do not believe in slapping a child in the face. It accomplishes nothing but humiliation.
Bottom line: Corporal punishment is not a bad thing, but it is not a universal solution for all children, and it is NOT usable for all parents, especially those prone to a quick temper.
"Fathers provoke not your children to anger, but bring them up in the NURTURE and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 4:6
Nurture and admonition are not harsh terms--they mean, respectively, "tutelage, education & training", and "calling attention to [by] mild warning or rebuke."
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." Colossians 3:21
Via Strong's: "Fathers, don't stimulate your children to anger, lest they be disheartened or spiritless."
I have seen so many IGNORANT parents in the Apostolic church be abusive, verbally and physically, that while I support [a parent's right to use] corporal punishment in general, I am disinclined to recommend it wholeheartedly.
Then you have the other end of the spectrum--those who don't discipline at all, but when they're in public, and their kids embarrass them, they spank the fire out of their surprised children. Please. No one is fooled. LOL!!!!
It is consistency and attentive parenting that will turn out well-behaved children. Lazy parenting never works.
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