To spank or not spank

I just received my January issue of EBONY, and I must say thank you for parenting article, "To Spank Or Not To Spank" (Jan. 2008). I agree with many aspects of this article, but feel that this is still a personal issue for parents and they have to make their own decisions.

For the past 20 years, psychologists have said that spanking is too punitive, intimidating, embarrassing and demeaning. Any form of discipline can be all of these things.

I believe there is a difference between spanking a child and beating a child. I will not hesitate to spank my child on the behind, with my hand, to get his/her attention. Once I have their attention, I can teach them the appropriate behavior I am seeking. I would never condone beating a child with a belt, stick or whip. This, to me, is abuse. I do not consider myself "old school" or "new school," but my style works for me. I also feel, there are some parents who just do not know how to parent, period. These parents usually use yelling, screaming and beating to combat their lack of parenting skills.

I am very consistent with my children ages 22, 9 and 6. My two youngest children have never experienced a spanking, but have heard the story of my oldest child's spanking, and they have no desire to experience it.

Thank you, again, and I wish you continued success with your magazine.

Melani Gutierrez

Windsor, Conn.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning