Posted on 11/30/2004 11:20:24 AM PST by kidd
Parents who spank their children as a form of discipline are not necessarily engaging in child abuse, even when they use a belt and leave a bruise, the state Appellate Court has said.
In a ruling released Monday, the judges recognized a parent's right to use "reasonable physical force" to discipline a child. They said that, before citing someone for physical abuse, the Department of Children and Families must take into account the circumstances surrounding the use of corporal punishment.
The judges said the agency's position that any non-accidental injury caused by a parent to a child qualifies as abuse is too narrow and in conflict with state law that allows "reasonable" corporal punishment of a child.
(Excerpt) Read more at ctnow.com ...
Ya. Eumendides?
Thank you.
Not all bruises are intentional. And a belt or a switch was common fare back in my day.
And that reaction to your look comes from the experience of receiving punishment as a consequence of bad behavior. When used appropriately, corporal punishment serves to diminish its own necessity. Kids learn about actions and consequences, hence "the look" soon has the same effect.
The thing is, that look has to be backed up with something far more significant - it's not the look itself, but what that look means for the kid's immediate future if he doesn't straighten up.
Thank you, I was about to post something myself but realized I'd have to go to the penalty box if I did. I knew some right thinkng person would bail me out.
Thank you, Roccus
My favorite is getting advice from moms of girls. They used to look at my boy and freak out. I especially enjoy it when the moms used to girls then have a life wire boy. Of course, my girl has turned out to be as much of, if not more of, a live wire than my son. My mom enjoys that I know.
Liberals don't want parents to spank, yell at, or home school children but they fully support killing them.
My daughter is a tender-hearted sensitive plant who can be wounded with a word or a hard look. She got a couple of quick pops on the bottom with a bare hand to end two or three tantrums as a Terrible Three - but when she turned four I sat down with her and we agreed she was "too old to be spanked" and sitting down to talk things out has worked with her ever since. But she's essentially a quiet and good child who would rather help around the house or read a book than dream up mischief.
My son on the other hand has the spiritual sensitivity of a large cast iron boiler and felt the flat of my hand (and his daddy's) numerous times until he was about nine. It was the only message that got through to him, and he is the sort of risk taker who actually puts his life in danger through not stopping to think. I'm talking about running out into traffic and playing with matches . . . stupid stuff. Of course, he's brave as a lion and will make somebody a good daddy (and/or a U.S. Marine) someday.
life wire boy = live wire boy
Clearly there is an undefined optimal level of force. Too little or too much force will cause a loss of respect.
The woman in the parking lot at the mall was way over the top.
"Though a bachelor..."
This father of 5 agrees. My kids have a healthy fear of my wrath and will typically obey without being so much as touched. The dreaded 'evil-eye' or a quick hand signal and they know its time to re-think what ever they may be up to. Spank early and often, then you're done.
While harder early on, compare this to trying to correct a 12 year old who is completely out of control and not only destroying their life, but the lives of many of those around them. Then explain to me that I'm an abuser and this 12 year old is better off.
B.S.
ping
When I spank my two year old, he only cries more. How do you do it?
But really, only trash hit their kids.
You've just defined 95% of the people here as "trash". No wonder most think New Englander's are on crack when it comes to social issues.
Likewise. I was spanked loads when I was a kid, and you'd better believe that whatever I was doing at the time was never attempted again.
I've been spanked with hands, belts, wooden and metal spoons, you name it. Looking back, I understand that I needed this discipline at the time. In the immortal words of 80's cop show Sledge Hammer: "Constant spankings are why I turned out OK."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.