*Twitch*

[patgund]

""Select your instrument according to the child's size," writes Pearl. "For the under one year old, a little, ten to twelve-inch long, willowy branch (stripped of any knots that might break the skin) about one-eighth inch diameter is sufficient. Sometimes alternatives have to be sought. A one-foot ruler, or its equivalent in a paddle, is a sufficient alternative. For the larger child, a belt or larger tree branch is effective." Additional advice from their Web site: Switching with a length of quarter-inch plumbing supply line is a "real attention-getter."

"Hands," by contrast, "are for loving and helping," Pearl writes.

Yet again, in a sense, so is the switch. "The parent holds in his hand (in the form of a little switch) the power to absolve the child of guilt, cleanse his soul, instruct his spirit, strengthen his resolve, and give him a fresh start through a confidence that all indebtedness is paid..." writes Pearl. "After a short explanation about bad attitudes and the need to love, patiently and calmly apply the rod to his back-side. Somehow, after eight or ten licks, the poison is transformed into gushing love and contentment. The world becomes a beautiful place. A brand new child emerges. It makes an adult stare at the rod in wonder, trying to see what magic is contained therein."

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2006/05/25/the_pearls/index.html

I'm not anti-spanking by any means, but switching a baby??

Something doesn't feel right here

(Note: This is not an attack on any religious beliefs, and should not be taken as such)

Comments

[tepintzin.livejournal.com]

I'm not averse to a swat on the butt with an open hand (mandatory if the child is about to do something dangerous), but an implement is completely out of bounds.

[beki.livejournal.com]

Ya know, I haven't read the article. Nothing personal, but I won't. As the mother of an 11 year old and a 6 year old, I have found that for me, the best discipline is talking to your kid, teaching them that their actions have consequences, and following through with those consequences if they make a bad choice.

True, there are times when there is no good choice, but I guarantee you that my kids will at least stop and think about which is the best choice for them.

And you know what? I think I have maybe spanked my daughter all of twice, and Jason, maybe once. And that was a swat with the flat of my hand on the butt with a diaper. IIRC Alex was about 2 and when told not to go out in the street, did anyway. She was quickly moved onto the sidewalk and given a swat. I am sure there must have been another time, but to be honest, I don't recall them.

I am not a perfect parent, but I do try to raise my kids to be decent people. YMMV etc.

[patgund.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm very much in your school of thought on that

[angelique69.livejournal.com]

Under one. I don't fucking think so! Blessed Be, Angelique