They Say: Spanking is the Gateway to Abuse

re: They Say: Spanking is the Gateway to Abuse

Maureen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:14:17 GMT

I've never spanked, but my parents did. They spanked and used a belt as punishment. I love my parents and I think that was just the times. I don't think I was adversely affected by it, but I was sure I wouldn't spank my own children because the only thing it really taught me was fear and I don't want my kids to fear me or my husband.

I don't know how much I trust this study. I'm from California and I know a couple of parents who do occasionally spank -- I couldn't imagine in a million years that they would ever do more than that.

If someone else spanked my child I would freak out, I mean really freak out.

re: They Say: Spanking is the Gateway to Abuse

crysbellis — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:15:23 GMT

this is such a dangerous correlation. it takes the focus off of real child abusers and essentially states that the odd swat on the butt is the same thing as beating up your child. i've opted not to spank my kid, not because she never acts up - hoo boy, does she ever - but because it seems counterproductive. but this whole article reminds me of the one that showed up on babble a few days ago that everything now is labelled 'child abuse' without any sort of understanding that real abuse leaves lasting physical and emotional scars, is assault, and terrifies the child. if people are serious about tracking down real abusers, they need to stop with the overreaction to everything. and as a side note, if anyone - teacher, neighbor, etc. - ever hit my kid, i'd be inclined to kick their ass.

re: They Say: Spanking is the Gateway to Abuse

Cassie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:06:33 GMT

faculty.biola.edu/.../sweden.html