Why you shouldn’t spank your kids in public. It’s not why you think.

From Chapter 4 of Spare the Rod.
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One beautiful spring day, Jana was picking the kids up at school when the teacher said, “I want to be sure you see this note about Joel.”

When she handed the note to Jana, Joel grabbed it, ripped it up and threw it on the ground right in front of mom, teacher, and other horrified onlookers.

Though she was totally embarrassed, my wise wife calmly escorted her son to the car and brought him home … where the gallows were then prepared.

Hangings used to be public to instill fear into the hearts of would-be criminals. But I believe spankings should not be a public affair. But not for the reason you’re thinking.

A spanking is to help our children humble themselves and submit their will to our will. Which will later make it easier for them to submit their will to God’s will.

A spanking should bring a child to a point of humility not humiliation.
Humility breaks a strong will. Humiliation breaks the spirit.

Humility says, “I have value but I’m not god of the universe. Other people have value and are important, too.”

Humiliation breaks the spirit and says, “I have no value.”

Humiliation attacks the worth of the child producing degradation, condemnation, and shame. Humiliation may force obedience but it does nothing to develop internal self-control, which is the true goal of child training.

A public spanking can produce humiliation and, ironically, make it even harder for a child to come to a point of humility. It’s one thing to humble myself in front of a parent who loves me and takes no pleasure in spanking me. It’s much harder to humble myself in front of peers, other onlookers or a sibling that is thoroughly enjoying the event.

Spanking our children with an audience can actually make them more resistant and strengthen their rebellion.

Humiliation is usually not appropriate in child training but humbling a stubborn will and teaching our kids the fear of the Lord is one of the kindest things we can do for them because …

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4

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Read more reasons we should not spank our children in public in “Spare the Rod.”