Parenting Methods

» VTG - Spanking: A Balanced Approach?

One thing I've quickly noticed on the web is that the issue of spanking is a very polarizing one; people are either strongly supportive, or rabidly against it. And unfortunately, there appear to be and abundance of "nuts" --that's a technical term ;) -- on both end of the spectrum.

What I simply do not see anywhere is a balanced approach that is specific to a child's personality type and his sensitivities.

Being a parent of 3 children with VERY different personalities, I've had to adopt equally different discipline approaches.

My oldest HAD to be spanked on a regular basis; positive reinforcement simply did not register. The absence of spanking resulted in a child who was abusive to his mother and most all females in general. It was the only way to get control of him. Time outs and EVERY other alternative discipline method was totally useless. He's turned out to be a very sensitive, caring, and disciplined high-achieving teenager that every parent wishes they had! I'm quite proud of him.

The middle child was seldom spanked; responded to positive reinforcement. Strong verbal reprimands worked best when discipline was necessary. Time outs yielded no results. She was perfectly happy to spend all the time in the world in time out.

The third child (by far the wildest and most rambunctious), believes that "Time-outs" are the end of the world, believe it or not. He also responds well to positive reinforcement. I've never had to lay a hand on this one. Verbal reprimands are useless...he just shoots-back verbally. This one defies all explanation. Tried spanking one time...it just didn't register.

So am I the only person in the world with a "balanced" approach? I don't feel spanking is appropriate for many children, but for some.....you bet.

-- posted by VTG

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» askmeanmomdotcom - Spanking: A Balanced Approach?

In response to Spanking: A Balanced Approach? posted by VTG:

Spanking is one thing, beating and abuse is another. Too many people refuse to see the difference!

-- posted by askmeanmomdotcom

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