Spanking

Someone on the radio asked yesterday, what is the difference between a "spanking" and a "beating"? One difference is that a spanking is brief and leaves no permanent marks; it just stings then goes away. 

However, a bigger issue is that many young parents need training on all the different methods a parent can use to train a child, the positive methods and not just the punitive. Over the years I have noticed young parents who don't seem to know any methods other than yelling and spanking (or the wooden spoon, or the belt). 

The Bible supports corporal punishment, but many penalties don't involve any corporal punishment at all. We used to put our son's favorite toy in temporary "time out" up on top of the fridge where he could see them, when he was naughty. Boy, that used to upset him. Later on, parents use "grounding." 

The most important factor is to love your child, and make them know you love them.  Sp[end time with your children, especially when they are young. Children can't raise themselves. Build the bonds of love and respect between you and your children. The cars on a train follow the engine because they are attached. All the other disciplinary methods need to happen in that atmosphere, and you can create that atmosphere through the power of the Holy Spirit, who sheds forth God's love.