Both my parents are Christian, and I believe they raised me extremely well. They occasionally gave my siblings and I 'spankings' as a last resort (usually with a wooden spoon, and just on the palm of our hands). They only ever did it when they were calm, and out of discipline and love, never in anger.
That said, was it the right thing to do? Who knows. I turned out great, in my opinion, but it's possible there was a better way.
I guess my point is, I do my best to avoid judging others, and to make the best choices I'm able, moment to moment.
These:
- Instructing and rebuking
- Reiteration of said instructions
- Positive reinforcement
- Ultimatums
- Trainings that engender longer attention span and meditation
- Withdrawal of gifts and privileges for a period of time
Are all preferable to any kind of physicality, I'd imagine, but does that mean my parents occasional wooden-spoon tactic was 'wrong'? I'm not sure anyone can say.
Anyway, great post, lots of food for thought, thank you. 🙏
I personally think that spanking is a lazy way to bring up a child. It's easier to do that than teaching and instructing which requires extra effort, commitment and understanding. Spanking just makes the child relate pain to that particular act. They end up avoiding that situation not because they understand why but because they don't want to be beaten.
That could be a helpful way to look at it, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing! 🙏