YES spanking does work, but it's more affective on kids when they're young. When they get to be teenagers and maybe even preteens punishments have to be more clever. I'm not a big proponent of the time outs. If a kid understands the language you're speaking then they should do as they're told and a swat on the butt is necessary especially if it's to quickly get a young child to pay attention when they're about to do something dangerous--like reaching for a pot on the stove.   See 39 other replies

When it comes to brain damage, I think the original person had spanking mixed up with shaking. As in, "shaking a baby."   See 39 other replies

Really? you are scarred? Thats sad. I can honestly say that getting spanked did not leave me with any emotional scarring whatsoever, in fact I had a better understanding of what I did wrong. And also, children were spanked in school. It's called corporeal punishment and they are actually thinking about bringing it back in some places. Back in the day children were spanked all the time (ever heard of the switch) and did the world fall apart? I think not.   See 39 other replies

I am sooo glad I am not the only one who laughed at the IQ/ development statement. As a psych major I can just say that it's complete and utter bull. Everyone has their own methods, and spanking a kid is not going to make them go dumb all of a sudden. Things like this are all about effective parenting, which is something some parents are lacking these days.   See 39 other replies

Wow, I can honestly say that neither my IQ nor development were stunted due to my parents disciplinary methods. I was spanked well into my teens, although It will not necessarily be my go-to method when I have children, I can understand why my parents disciplined me the way that they did. Though you generalize that these parents have not read about childhood development I can say that both my parents did, as they are teachers and childhood development courses were a part of their curriculum. They did not fail as parents either. They have me at a prestigious university on a full ride, and my two younger brothers who are excelling in their classes as well as in sports. Certain disciplines work well for certain children. Sometimes time out does not cut it for people. Certain behaviors are worse than others, and cannot be dealt with by just using time outs. I have seen both methods in use and the spankings worked better for me, because I knew that I did not want to experience any sort of discomfort due to my actions. Time out worked more effectively for my brothers, but I don't complain that I got spanked more than they do.I know several people that have been spanked as children and not a one of them has any sort of developmental problems or emotional scarring. We never got the idea that our parents hated us, we knew they did it because they wanted us to grow up and be successful. Most parents that spank their children agree that it does hurt them to have to discipline their child. I wish people would stop comparing these parents to monsters and abusers. There is a line between the spankings and abusing, and many parents know that. Those that do abuse their children are sick, and should not be allowed around the children. People who know how to discipline on the other hand, should not be considered abusers because they might pop/pinch their child for acting up.   See 39 other replies

Wow. This was absolutely ridiculous. I read through all of this and you all are very entertaining. First off, spanking is not abuse so just stop. It's not outdated either, using a wooden spoon, or a belt, or a paddle is outdated and possibly abuse, which is what most people think of when they think of spanking. And the whole brain damage thing!?!?!?! I laughed I'm sorry... but Im really curious... where did you hear that?!? Because they lied! I've never heard of that ever and probably because it's just stupid. It's science. A slap on your bum is not a direct link to your brain development. Come on... you're just being ridiculous. Spank your kid, don't spank your kid either way I'm sure they'll turn out fine.*Haha.... brain damage.... haha.   See 39 other replies

Jane Doe you are ridiculous. point blank.   See 39 other replies