Spank them well

In an article today posted by Yahoo!, the author explains how research points to a link between spanking and mental illness.

In a Psych class at UF while studying statistics we were taught, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, that 66%    of statistics will say whatever you want them to say.  I think this is clearly the case in study such as this one.

Lots of scary statistics were thrown around along with the scary psych buzz words such as depression, mania and drug abuse.  They even managed to throw in a slight to God's word with a cute little twist on a saying about the "rod."

In an attempt to spare the further "wussification" of America, we have got to wake up and realize that the true damage we are doing to children is by not disciplining them.  This article is talking about spanking....it is at this point that a distinction must be clearly made in spanking that is constructive and spanking that is potentially damaging.

The difference is in discipline vs. punishing in anger.  Discipline is constructive and godly and is to be done from a heart of love, a love that is clear to the child because the reason and goal of the discipline is clearly explained.  Also, while discipline often comes in the form of spanking (when age appropriate) it can come in other forms as well.

Punishment in anger is detrimental to the overall health of a child...mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.  The issue is the heart of anger that accompanies it.  This form of "punishment" can come in the form of spanking, but can come in other forms as well.

Parents, lets be clear.  Spanking does not hurt or damage your children.  It is any form of punishment, corporal or otherwise, that is done from a heart of anger....that's what screws your kids up.

God's word is clear "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him" (Proverbs 13:24).