This is a guest post for iamnotthebabysitter.com. We encourage voices of all mothers on the topics discussed on this blog. The views and opinions may not be those of iamnotthebabysitter.com, but we encourage and welcome respectful debate and the opinions of all mothers.
I’ll tell you right up front that this topic is one that my husband and I don’t agree on. We have come to a meeting of the minds, per se – a decision we both can live with. However, I am waiting to see what actually happens when Zoe gets older and needs discipline.
I mean, how could I ever spank this girl?
Before we were even married, we had an argument about spanking. While dining at our favorite french bistro in Windham, the topic came up and got very heated. I am completely against spanking, and my husband believes in it.
I was spanked as a child. Thankfully, I was a pretty good kid, so I didn’t get it that often. I know they had my best interest in mind. However, I bet my parents would tell you, today, they wish they hadn’t spanked me. I also bet – they wouldn’t want me spanking their grandchild!
With my background in social work, I have a hard time, ethically, with spanking. I wouldn’t feel right telling a client to do it, so why should I do it? In fact, when I worked at a maternity home for pregnant teenagers, we taught them to use other forms of discipline. We didn’t want to take the chance they would use the method of spanking incorrectly. When angry, it’s all too easy to spank in the heat of the moment.
I just can’t see the sense in trying to discipline by hitting. It seems to revolve around fear, and that’s not how I want to operate as a parent.
That being said, at the end of the day – my husband and I agreed that he can spank if he tried everything else and nothing worked. It would be a last resort. I really don’t think it will be an issue though. I have a hard time picturing Zubair spanking. Not that he’s a push-over. He’s firm and consistent. But Zoe is Daddy’s little girl…so we’ll see if his philosophy becomes a reality.
I know many parents spank in love and feel like it’s best for their children. I may disagree and be uncomfortable with it, but I can accept that there are appropriate ways to do it.
I know it’s a sensitive topic – but I would love to hear your opinion! Share your thoughts in the comments section.
This guest post was submitted by Jennifer at New Mom, New City. In the last few years she got married; moved to Atlanta; had a baby; and then moved to Los Angeles because her husband landed a job in the film industry. She’s super proud of him and totally excited to live in such a cool city.
