| − | The bible makes it clear that children require teaching, guidance and discipline. Parents should be compassionate (Psalm 103:13) but should also [[corporal punishment|spank]] their children to correct their behaviour. Proverbs 13:24 is clear that "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them" while Proverbs 22:25 says that "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away" and Proverbs 23:13 says "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die." | + | The bible makes it clear that children require teaching, guidance and [[disciplining|discipline]]. Parents should be compassionate (Psalm 103:13) but should also [[corporal punishment|spank]] their children to correct their behaviour. Proverbs 13:24 is clear that "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them" while Proverbs 22:25 says that "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away" and Proverbs 23:13 says "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die." |
| | + | This biblical view is shared by a majority of American adults<ref>https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americans-opinions-on-spanking-vary-by-party-race-region-and-religion/ Harry Enten, FiveThirtyEight.com, Americans’ Opinions On Spanking Vary By Party, Race, Region And Religion</ref> and supported by scientific research.<ref>[https://sites.oxy.edu/clint/learn/articles/ComparingChildOutcomesofPhysicalPunishmentandAlternativeDisciplinary.pdf]Larzelere and Kuhn (2007) Comparing Child Outcomes of Physical Punishment and Alternative Disciplinary |
| | + | Tactics: A Meta-Analysis</ref> Dr James Dobson PhD recommends that spanking should not be parents' only disciplinary tool, but that when a parent does need to correct a child's behaviour, they should spank the child firmly on the buttocks with a switch or a paddle.<ref>https://www.dobsonlibrary.com/resource/article/9e6c1b33-b341-4617-aa11-70c9744fdf11 The Dobson Digital Library - Questions and Answers about Corporal Punishment and The Strong Willed Child</ref> |