Spanking

About four months ago I ranted on and on ( a couple of entries prior to this, just scroll down) about how I was disappointed that we as a society are starting to spare the rod.

I guess I was basing my theory on the fact that I was spanked as a child...and went on to be obedient in class, receive all A's and one B in HS, get a college degree, etc.

But then I started disciplining my girlfriend's son.  And soon after I spanked him (which I never enjoyed, and always felt horrible about), he started hitting me and a few of his friends.

I can't help but think this was a result of my spanking him...with some kids it seems to scare the ever loving crap out of them into seemingly well adjusted citizens.  With others, it just teaches them that hitting is ok.  And it isn't...and I am now against hitting in any shape or form as punishment.

The kid that threw the shoe at the worker was beaten senselessly at home by his foster parents one can only imagine, and was mirroring what she had learned in previous situations.  My brief attempt at parenting... I am pretty sure.... resulted in the perpetuation of more violent behavior.

And just like Adrian Peterson was beaten as a child, I received a whole lot of tough love as a kid.

A.D. (Peterson) became the excellent running back he is/was in spite of the beatings.

And it should be said, as soon as I left my parents watchful eye, I became rebellious, started using drugs, and have not been successful since high school.  And became a pseudo child abuser along the way.

Hitting kids is no longer an option. We are learning there are better ways to parent, because hitting only begets hitting and we are teaching our children  the mistakes we have not learned from, like bullying, and violence.

I will never again use spanking as a disciplinary method.  Granted, I have never hit anyone out of anger.  Spanking, still, I believe, has had an adverse effect on me long term.

Love your children until they are rotten.  And when they make mistakes, take something away.  And level with them.  They are smart enough to comprehend why they are being punished.  Tell them the right way to live.  And live a correct life yourself.  Because it is YOU who they are emulating.