To Spank or Not to Spank: A Parents' Handbook Volume 5

by John Rosemond

Book Overview

The nationally syndicated columnist and childrearing expert presents a thought-provoking study of child-directed discipline, offering a straightforward, common-sense approach to the issue of discipline, parental authority, and self-esteem.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0836228138
• ISBN13: 9780836228137
• Release Date: October 1994
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Read Before Forming An Opinion

Did any of these reviewers actually read this book? Or did they just go from page to page, screaming as their carefully cultivated sensibilities were challenged? It appears that they did, since their comments are word for word the same as those used by numerous so-called experts who continually tout their beliefs based on little or no data and would have us believe that their opinions are facts. This book does not advocate spanking. If you do not believe in spanking, then this book will not convince you otherwise. Unlike anti-spanking advocates who do all they can to shove their opinions down everyone's throat, Rosemond is not trying to convince anyone to spank. This book is for people who already believe in spanking or who are undecided. And, strange as it sounds, this book can actually prevent child abuse as Rosemond provides guidelines for administering a spanking so as to make it effective, as well as advice on how to raise a well behaved child using a variety of forms of discipline. He constantly reminds the reader that a spanking should be short (one or two swats at the most), should not be administered with the intention of causing pain, should only be given with a hand and never a foreign object (belt, switch, etc.), should never be given on bare skin, and numerous other restrictions. He even objects to the common practice of slapping a child's hand! Does this sound like a person advocating child abuse? The method advocated here is a quick spanking used to get a child's attention, but Rosemond clearly states that the action of spanking should NOT be the punishment. People who use spanking as a punishment are more likely to cross the line from discipline to abuse. Studies have shown that parents who do not use corporal punishment are more likely to explode at a child and cause real harm. Rosemond probably knows what he's talking about as part of his career involved counseling parents whose children were taken away due to abuse. This book is to help people keep control of their kids from day one, and not lose control of the child(ren) and themselves and possibly do something they will regret later. If you do not spank, don't feel threatened, for Rosemond will not try to convince you to do so. If you do spank, this book is an excellent way to ensure that your child will get the maximum benefit from it, as well as giving numerous other disciplinary methods to ensure a well-behaved child that people like to have around. In short, read the book with an open mind. You might be surprised to find advice that you can take home.

Useful information

I believe this book has useful information. Whether you decide to spank or not spank, just make an informed decision. This is just one of many resources I checked before my husband and I made a choice. All parents should make that informed choice, and the parenting team, should be in agreement. I know this got both good and bad reviews. I guess it's just a matter of whether you agree with the author or not. Whether I agree or not doesn't matter, the book still has useful information that should be read by all parents.

Do you want to be your child's friend or his parent

I have to believe that the negative reviews of this book are by people that have an agenda or have not read this book. Rosemond makes very clear the difference between HITTING and SPANKING. And he states there are other more effect ways to disipline a child. He further says that a steady diet of spankings are not productive. But that an occasional pop on the rear end is effective in getting the child's attention so that you can communicate your message to the child, and that spanking alone will accomplish nothing.

This book is right on target...

As a minister, I must say that this book makes a clear distinction between "hitting," "beating," and spanking. Per Proverbs, " in the heart of a child foolishness abides, but the rod of correction draws them far from it." I "believe" that spanking is sometimes "necessary". John's book gives parents an understanding that spanking can immediately stop unfavorable behavior, and does not lead to the murderers that we have in prison, maybe they deserved a "swat"; perhaps if they had received some sort of discipline, we wouldn't have those "menances to society."

A balanced view

John gives a balanced view on the discipline of children. He pointed out the extremist views of the like of Straus. Very good book to read.