Just this past week, I read an article that caused some dilemma in my spirit….it stated that researchers, based on recent studies, believe that spanking kids will actually lower their overall IQs. Now, we all have heard the numerous arguments and debates about spanking and its possible link to child abuse. But now, spanking can also impede a child’s mental development, too? While I am not a proponent of excessive spanking to keep a kid in line (that really is crossing over into the area of abuse), I will say that I firmly believe that there are times when a little spanking is warranted. But, that spanking should be coupled with talking and helping the child to understand the error of his/her ways. My mother was very old school. She was a firm believer in the biblical verse “spare the rod, spoil the child”. However, I honestly can not recall more than one spanking from her. Just her voice and/or look was enough to let me know that I was in the wrong… and that I better straighten up FAST! We talked quite a bit as well, so it was a good balance.

We are in a day and age where the pressures on single parents (both single moms and single dads) are enormous. We have seen children being abused, neglected, and abandoned more than ever in recent years. In the midst of this pressure to be perfect and raise perfect children, some parents have released their own frustrations out on their kids and this is unacceptable. However, do you think it is “fair” to associate needed chastisement (i.e. occasional spanking) with an overall lower IQ of kids? If you agree with the notion that a child’s intellect will be adversely affected by spanking, then, what is acceptable chastisement? Is the “spare the rod, spoil the child” proverb not applicable today and if so, why?

In upcoming episodes of “Heroes at Home Radio” we will get into issues such as these and more. Stay tuned!
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