Do you smack your child(ren)?

Am following a fan page on Facebook and one of the status updates a few days ago asked its fans if they smacked their children in public on the legs or on the bum when they misbehaved.

Interestingly the response was mostly 50-50. Some have done so, some haven't and will not.

Those who had, did it because warnings and time outs have failed them while they were out and so a smack was issued. For some it was also a case of a dangerous act, like running across the road without waiting.

The other party who did not and refused to do it are against any form of physical punishment and deem it as an act of violence and abuse. One of them would have liked to 'report' some of the posts.

As I read the comments with interest and some disbelief, I must admit that I will smack my child in public if that's the last thing that will get the message across. I do smack at home too. And I do give warnings.

You may disagree with my point of view though.

I nearly smacked Miss 3 once for running across the road without waiting for me, which she was always told to do so. The best part was, she didn't even look out for cars. I went after her, with my big belly threatening to bounce off the body and gave her a stern lecture on the other side. The look on her face told me that she got the message and will not require a smack to enforce that message of danger. However, there were times when I was home and she would push boundaries. When 3 warnings and a time out didn't work, she got a smack on the bum.

I don't encourage physical punishment, although I grew up with them. The Bible says, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24.

It does not promote punishment by the rod, but it does mean strict discipline by the parent. In love.

And when it comes to discipline, I have to admit that every child is different. There is no one set method that can be used to discipline every child.

And so, back to the discussion on the fan page. From what I've read, none of the parents sounded like they were abusive. And the reason behind the smack were mostly due to plenty of warnings given or in dangerous situations. Sphere: Related Content