Spare the Rod....

Okay... I have so many problems with the whole idea of the government trying to regulate spanking. What the shit are people thinking letting a bunch of already nosey bastards into my private family affairs, but now to punish those who are trying to do right by their kids by calling in the government... Utter bullshit.

Now, I know I will get flamed for this (and by the way, fuck you, it's my blog), but I think the government needs to mind it's own fucking business... and so do those nosey fucktard people who see my parenting skills and thinking they are so much better than mine would call out the dogs on me. Yes, they are proponents of each side, to spank or not to spank... Seriously- it ain't their decision, now is it? If they don't think spanking is the right thing to do, or something they want in their homes... then they don't have to do it. To call the cops because I bend down in the store and get right in my kids face and tell them "Stop, NOW" and "That's enough!" in a firm tone, because they think I am verbally abusive... or sic the police on me because I grab my kid by the arm when he is tearing shit off shelves, and running thru the store like an idiot and lead him away? Fuck you, pal. Mind your own business. (Notice you get the same looks from people when your kid acts the ass and you do and say nothing?)

As a kid, I was spanked. Got my ass whooped on a few occasions, but never undeservingly so. I got chased down the hall by my mother wielding a brush... and once she broke a wooden spoon over my ass. Was I abused? No. I was punished. There were times there was just simply no other way to get shit through my thick skull than to smack it in. I am not a social deviant as a result. That is not to say that there weren't other methods they used- I got grounded and lost my allowance too- but the big rule breaking usually resulted in a whoopin'- and I knew it was coming- and I did it anyway, and I paid the price.

Spanking did not result in my fearing my parents. It did make me quite sure there was nothing I could get away with. It did not teach me "violence as a way of solving issues". It did not turn me into a hateful angry person. It did not cause me to become a gang member... it also did not make me think that every bad thing I do is excusable with a little time out or a gentle talking to. I know that if I fuck up in real life- bad things can happen. people could get hurt- I could get hurt.

The anti-spanking nazis who are trying to tell YOU what to do with YOUR kids come from a generation of Dr. Spock nice-nice parenting full of time outs and "understanding" your kids. IMHO it's bullshit. "No." is a complete sentence. There is no explanation needed, especially to a tantrum throwing 5 year old. Trying to reason with that? Fuck you- I'd rather talk to the lint in my pocket- as it isn't listening either. Think back to when you were a kid... did you actually listen to half the shit your parents said? Did you tune it out? Did it start to sound like Charlie Brown's teacher? Thought so.

I am no advocate of abuse or beating- kids with bruised up faces and broken bones... but the government thinks that "we the people" aren't capable of drawing the line and knowing the difference. A couple swats across the butt for trying to stick a key in a light socket is not abuse- trying to explain to a curious toddler why that is a "bad idea" is neglectful- as young kids, no matter what we try to tell ourselves, are not capable of certain kinds of understanding. What is more effective? "No, no, junior- the candle flame is hot. You can get hurt. That's fire." or a quick slap on the back of the hand and a firm "NO! HOT!" After that? Let the little tyke burn himself. He'll learn that not only is it hot- but you were right.

Spanking should be sparse, well deserved, and never done in anger. From the days of yesteryear to today- is society any better off for all this fluffy fu-fu shit parenting? I think not. It's worse. The world has raised a new crop of spoiled, prissy, get-everything-they-want, over-indulged assholes...complete with $400 dollar iPods on their belts sitting in brand new cars that daddy bought them, and sporting name brand clothes that aren't worth the ink the labels are printed on.

I would think twice about giving that sick shit no life having lady across the way another reason to call CPS on your neighbor.... Because that is who we would be asking to police the community. The nosey fucks with too much time on their hands and arrogant attitudes that they know better than you. Oh! I also think that Child Protective Departments are already letting too many kids fall through the cracks who are real victims of abuse and neglect- let us not clog up the system with penny and dime complaints that Mary Jane smacked her kid on the butt because he ran into the street... Let's save the efforts for the kids who are being raped, and starved, okay?

Old sayings, though trite, hold truth- and over many many years someone was wise enough back then to figure it out- spare the rod... and spoil the child.

from "Rocky Mountain Family Council"... While spanking is not illegal, bruising or otherwise injuring a child is. But what about mild spanking as a corrective measure? Is it a good idea? Spanking works best when coupled with other disciplinary measures, such as "time out." Research regarding behavior modification of children ages 2 to 6 found that spanking a child two times on either the rear or thigh helped improve compliance with "time out" for misbehavior. These children were more likely to remain in their room after acting up if a potential spank followed if they left before the time was up. Furthermore, pairing reasoning with a spanking in the toddler years delayed misbehavior longer than did either reasoning or spanking alone. Reasoning linked with a spank was also more effective compared with other discipline methods. Talking with the child about what behavior is expected and why-with the potential of a follow-up spank-worked best.

According to Physician magazine, spanking should be used selectively for clear, deliberate misbehavior, especially a child's persistent defiance of a parent. It should be used only when the child receives at least as much praise for good behavior as correction for problem behavior. Verbal correction, time out and logical consequences should be used initially, followed by spanking when noncompliance persists. Only a parent should administer a spanking, not another person. Spanking should never be administered on impulse or when a parent is out of control. Parents sometimes need a time out too. Spanking is inappropriate before 15 months of age, should be less necessary after 6 years, and rarely, if ever, used after 10 years of age. Spanking should always be administered in private. Appropriate spanking only leaves temporary redness of skin, and never bruises or injures. Spanking works, but must be used thoughtfully and carefully in conjunction with other disciplinary measures."