episode 81: Self Discovery - To Spank or Not to Spank

My mother’s pick of poison was a belt. Back in the day, she wasn’t the only parent that used their hand or some object to discipline their children with.

I remember very clearly a day when I knew that belt was going to be used on me. I dressed in layers so I wouldn’t feel the pain. There. I said it. Pain. Is discipline supposed to be painful? What am I learning from this?

What I learned is that the benefit of the whipping lost its value. Isn’t there a better way?

I also clearly remember a time when my grandmother came over. I was reading a book that I couldn’t put down (that’s how I am when I read) and my mother came into the bedroom and blasted me for not coming out and greeting my grandmother. She took her hand and went to slap me across the face. I grabbed her hand and told her she could never hit me again. I was 15.

My mother’s method of discipline was not going to be repeated with my kids. I found ways to teach right from wrong without getting physical.

In 53 countries in the world, spanking is banned. Some people consider it child abuse. What does getting physical teach our kids? It’s okay to hit someone when they do something wrong. Does the cycle of spanking proliferate or do we find other humane options?

Donna Valentino

Author

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Perspectivewithdonna.com

Be true to yourself