What Do You Think of Corporal Punishment in Schools?

Well, now that I have a child, it's difficult for me to say how I would feel about it without seriously considering the issue, but I will say that I went to a Christian school when I was a child that administered corporal punishment. I actually got paddled once at school by the principal and I still remember it to this day. I was in 2nd grade. I honestly don't remember what I did to get paddled, but the punishment itself made an impression. I don't remember a big, mean ogre that yelled at me and beat me. I remember being talked to about what happened and the principal made sure I understood why I was being punished. There were no raised voices and, just as this application says, we prayed afterwards and I was not made to feel bad afterward.

I believe in spanking (if used appropriately and not in anger), so my opinion is coming from that perspective. Having read the application, it appears that they are trying to be reasonable about it. I don't think it would even be an issue for most kids, but if your child did happen to find himself in that situation, they give you the option of coming to administer the punishment yourself. If you don't believe in spanking, then they give you the option to simply remove your child from school for the rest of the day. I think the bottom line is that you have to decide first if you believe in using corporal punishment in your own home. If you don't, then you would either want to opt out of that punishment at the school or choose to send him elsewhere. If you do, then you need to interview the principal and maybe his teachers to determine what kinds of infractions would warrant corporal punishment and pray about whether or not this is the right place for your child. Best of luck to you. This is sure to be a highly charged issue, but you really are going to have to make this decision for yourself based on your beliefs and lots and lots of prayer.

Hi,
WOW! That really upsets me. Regardless of how any parent feels about corporal punishment, I think the big question here is: How do we feel about teaching our children that God is a violent & punishing God? It seems like they are saying they talk to the children about how God wants them to be punished physically for their disobedience. I totally disagree with that. I find it shocking that any Christian organization is teaching children that this is how God wants them to handle things. It's absurd, backward, and frankly irresponsible. That isn't the impression I would want my young child to have of God.
Maybe you can check the school out further & opt out of spanking like one of the other mom's said, but I would also closely examine the presentation of God at this school to make sure that you & the school have the same ideals & beliefs. If you don't, even if you can opt out of spanking, maybe this simply isn't the right place for your child.
Best of luck to you & your little one!

Do YOU agree with following the "scriptural admonition" in correcting your child? What is the "proper and reasonable" rules and procedures? Do they allow for the normal antics of a 3 year old boy? I have a 3 year old boy who is the sweetest boy ever, but he seems to act "crazy" to people who are not familiar with what normal 3 year old boy behavior is! All women who have little boys always tell me he is completely normal, but you should see the looks he/we get in church from the older generation!

I would talk to the school to find out about their expectations regarding behavior. Then, how do you feel about "swats"? It sounds like you would be the one to leave work and "administer" punishment, and if you weren't able, they would do it anyway. If you opt out of corporal punishment, he could be suspended for a day.

I personally don't like their wording, and the words "training your child for Christian leadership" stick with me. I don't want to train my children; they're not puppies. I want to teach. Most places that I see anything about "training" children (like the "Christian" book Babywise), I steer clear of!

You could have the best kid in the world, but he could still "step out of line" according to their expectations. You never know if that will happen, so you have to be prepared. If you don't agree with it at all, then I would say this is not the place for you.

***ETA: I just saw your "What Happened" and realized you weren't really asking for advice! LOL! So, my response still applies, in that I wouldn't want a place that felt so much that it was "God's word" that allows them to do what they do. I believe children should be autonomous creatures (as they were made) and this doesn't sound like a place where that would occur. And that word "training" kept popping up throughout....that worries me!!!

In general, if you send your child to a school that utilizes corporal punishment, you CAN "opt out" of it. I have signed a form in the past (can't recall if it was this preschool or the previous one) that said I DID NOT allow my child to have corporal punishment used on her/him.

If you like the school otherwise, make an appointment to talk to the director of the school to voice your concerns and get more information from them.

Just reading it upsets me! I would never tolerate that anyone hit my child to correct him! Time outs works fine with him. I find that terrible.