[John Leland 1789]

The child broke a toy, and that could have been a very strong indication of a rebellious spirit that needed (or still needs) to be broken — and the use of the rod (the belt in this application — I like rods better) is one aspect of the remedy for a rebellious spirit in a child.

Ultimately, I own all my children’s belongings, as long as they are my minor children, and they know it. If they break something deliberately out of obvious foolishness, meanness, avoidable carelessness, anger or spite, the use of rod is appropriate. The toy (or other object) being “theirs” will never be a mitigating factor.

[SteveMcKing]

“Rebellious spirit”?

You will be humbled in your old age. Youth triumphs, rods or none.