My kids know better. I have, and will continue to, raise my children properly, i.e, negotiation where it makes good sense and “because Daddy says so” along with the appropriate force to their seat of education - and I really don’t care if people don’t like it.
I was in Walmart a few weeks ago with my 3 y/o son, who decided to throw a tantrum. I told him once to “Knock it off”, firmly, and when he didn’t, I took off my belt and give him two good swats to the posterior. Tantrum terminated.
As I was putting my belt back on, a member of Walmart management (an obviously militant homosexual female) came running out to where were were, loudly screaming “I’m going to have you arrested! How DARE you BEAT that poor little child like that!” This tirade went on for several minutes, in an apparently northeastern accent (NY or NJ).
When she finally ran down, all red in the face, I calmly said: “Ma’am, I did not BEAT my child - I spanked him: BIG difference. YOUR way has resulted in kids that run wild and apparently don’t have a clue as to what is appropriate behavior. I don’t know where you’re from, and I really don’t care, but around here, people tend to mind their own fvcking business - which clearly this ISN’T! Now, you can call anybody you want; I’ll wait right here. Feel free to use my cellphone if you like. But know this: when you are done, I’m going to sue you and Walmart for 100 billion dollars; I don’t even care if I win or not because I’m going to tie you all up in court for the next 30 years or so. I wouldn’t let my mockingbird mouth overload my wide bulldyke @ss if I were you. Good day.”
With that I turned and left with this fine representative of the indeterminate sex following me screaming that I’d better never come back in her store. I used to number posted on the door outside to inform the area office what had happened. I don’t know exactly what happened to her/it, but I haven’t seen that particular lesbian in the Walmart since.
The moral - stand your ground! Other people only have the power over you that YOU choose to give them.
I rarely had to spank my kids in public but when I did it was always quickly and out of the public eye. It was rare because my kids knew better too. Often that “look” from Dad was enough. The first swat was firm but not painful, if needed, the second one was painful.
We never negociated. I cringe when I hear a parent say, “Do you want a spanking?” For my kids, it was already too late.
When my son was about four we were in the supermarket and the kid in front of us was in total melt down over not getting some piece of candy. My son looked at me and said, “Dad, that boy needs a spanking.”. The guy behind us in line said, “He sure does.”. The point is that my son got it.
Both my kids are grown, well adjusted and happy adults. We respect and love each other greatly.
Post of the day!!
I don’t agree with ‘spanking’ a 3 year old with a belt. Why not your hand? If you are hitting them so hard that it would hurt your hand so that you use a belt, then YOU ARE HITTING THEM TOO HARD. The pain isn’t the punishment, it is the shame.
My kids know they have gone too far when I go "drill sergeant" on them...get my nose two inches from theirs, and let 'em have it at 80 decibels.
When they were little, I never hesitated to give them a whack on the butt, either.
It's easier to raise kids down here in Texas.