Examiner.com

Yes, I just said the “S” word. Spanking children seems to be almost taboo to discuss, but alas, is an important one to bring up since there are thousands of opinions and rules and do’s and don’ts… If you just aren’t sure, if you have spanked and want to know what professional pediatric and parenting specialists say, this article might help shed some light on the “S” subject.

Here are three opinions from three very different, yet highly regarded sources to help you decide what might be right for you.

Dr. William Sears – “Simply put, don’t spank or hit your child.”
Dr. Sears raised eight children and has written and co-written over 30 childcare books, and is also a pediatrician. Listed in his Discipline Book are reasons why NOT to spank:
1) “Hitting models hitting.
2) Hitting devalues the child.
3) Hitting may lead to abuse.
4) Hitting does not improve behavior.
5) Hitting is not actually biblical.
6) Hitting promotes anger (in both the child and parent).
7) Hitting brings back bad memories.
8) Simply put, spanking doesn’t work.”

Jo Frost, “The Supernanny” – “Physical punishment is not a form of discipline that allows a child to progress.”
Jo Frost has worked in the childcare field for over 20 years and is most well known as her role of “Supernanny” on television. According to Frost in her book Ask Supernanny, physical contact “will always outweigh any other technique” you might be trying for disciplining your child(ren). Frost says it is important for both parents to take on the same methods of discipline and says “you have the chance to break from the mold and bring up your children according to the way you were raised.”

Ted Tripp – “The purpose of spanking is to get the child’s attention.”
Author and pastor Ted Tripp writes about spanking in his book “Shepherding a Child’s Heart,” and agrees that the method is an acceptable form of discipline, as long as parents are doing it in its proper form and not in anger or as a way to vent frustration. He told World Magazine, "What I'm advocating is a very careful, measured, gracious, and kind use of the rod that restores the child afterwards. The child is not in the doghouse."

Want to discuss this topic more with parents who share your opinion locally? Reno moms can join chats at RenoMomsLikeMe.com.