Three Types of Spanking

Now that I've criticized several common approaches to spanking, I'd like to detail the types of spanking I do approve of.

The Training Swat.
This is usually a painless pat with the open hand to the diapered bottom of a little one, to help him make the connection between "no" and what he is doing. It might also be used to ambush an otherwise well-trained child who is just beginning to give in to a temptation. It generally means: "Pay attention, I'm talking to you," or "Stop and do what you know is right." If the child does not respond positively to a little pat, it can be made a bit firmer. One swat should be given at a time with a pause between each, until the child obeys. Take your time, and combine with outlasting and a verbal "no".

The Reminder Swat.
This is usually one firm swat to the clothed bottom of a toddler who is deliberately disobeying. It should be repeated after a pause, if the child continues to refuse to obey. This type of swat can also be used to ambush a child who is doing something he knows not to do, perhaps when he thinks you are not looking. A paddle may be used if the parent prefers, or if it is needed to make a bigger impression. You do not need to spank hard when using a paddle. In fact, much less effort can be used to achieve the same results.

The "I Mean Business" Spanking.
This is usually one to perhaps three stinging swats to the clothed bottom, delivered with a firm hand or a paddle. This type of spanking should be reserved for repeated misbehavior or some serious offense knowingly committed by an older child. The offending child should be required to bend over and place their hands safely out of the way on a chair or counter. If the child refuses to cooperate, the parent should outlast until the child does as he is told. Then one to three swats are given. A lecture and perhaps other discipline measures (like tomato staking) should usually accompany this type of spanking. "I Mean Business" spankings are not for wee ones.

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
- Hebrews 12:11 (NAS)