Is spanking ever an appropriate means of disciplining an unruly child?

I agree spanking does induce fear and that's the idea. Anyone who has raised children can tell you, sometimes they need to be frightened, they need to be shown who is in charge and that it is not currently them. I don't think spanking should be a primary means of discipline.

I also don't think it should be done without an explanation. Used properly however spanking is the only thing that works with some kids. To better explain some examples.. Your kid refuses to pick up his toys.

While annoying this is a minor thing, spanking is by no means necessary. Your kid lights a couch on fire in the living room( I have seen it done). This is dangerous both to itself, your family and your home it should be treated in a strong manner.

Spanking along with an explanation is appropriate. Keep in mind spanking and beating are not the same thing. Basically spanking should be reserved for instances when it needs to be known that what was done will NEVER be done again as an extreme measure for an extreme action.

I don't think that this psychologically hurts the child in the least. Excessive spanking without real explanation for every little thing? Yes, that isn't good parenting.

Sometimes spanking is appropriate if the offense is dangerous to the child or someone else, such as playing on the street, playing with fire, etc AFTER you specifically tell them not to. After the spanking, explain to them why you are angry and why you take such measure. The spanking itself should not be too painful, or not painful at all.

Why is it effective? Young children have limited ability to understand abstract concept. They will have no problem understanding immediate punishment that they can feel physically.

I do this, and this hurts, so next time I won't do that. Yes, it incites fear, but sometimes fear is good in proper place. And yes, sometimes children have to learn to fear authority if they do something against the "law".

It is far better than having your child get hit by a car. However this should only be done in early age, under ten years old. Ten years old onward, this method is no longer effective.

I don't think so. Spanking induces fear into children, and children obey their parents and superiors in fear, and not in respect - and there's always the possibility of revolt and rebelling later on in life. I personally /was/ spanked - and I don't think it did me any good.

Earlier on in my adolescence, I showed signs of severe depression and manic disorder - and I moved in and out of the house several times. Maybe that's just me, but the times are changing, and so are the children. Psychologically, it is proven that physical punishment is emotionally endangering your child.

Yeah I think spanking is appropriate, if they are completely going against you and you had already told them not to then give them a whoopin, I was a kid that got spanked and it never put fear in me, I'll spank my kids too.

I think spanking should be used IF it works for that child. If a kid would rather behave than be spanked, then use it. If a child would rather behave than be grounded, use that.

Whatever works for each kid. I was spanked as a kid and am fine. As soon as I get out of prison I will be a model citizen.

Nah just kidding.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.