This is a re-post of a previous discussion before the site redesign.
How old is too old for spanking?
by Brady on Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:25 pm
What age seems right to be too old for spanking? 19? 20?
OK, seriously, corporal punishment (performed with love and patience and not anger or frustration) is effective in teaching children when they have crossed the line. What is the point where spanking is more detrimental than beneficial?
Right now I am of the mind that as long as children are at home and under 18 there are offenses that can still merit a spanking. I seem to recall a legal opinion somewhere that once a child turns 18 that any form of corporal punishment can be considered assault if the child does not consent to it.
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Re: How old is too old for spanking?
by shayndel on Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:52 am
I will answer your question with a question. What does a Bar mitzvah mean?
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Re: How old is too old for spanking?
by HollandsWife on Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:12 pm
I would have to agree that even within the home at some point you say to a child your behavior is now your responsibility, at that point I think they are too old for spankings. Bar/Bat Mitzvah, would be that signal in observant homes. JMO _Becky
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Re: How old is too old for spanking?
by Brady on Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:31 am
shayndel wrote:
I will answer your question with a question. What does a Bar mitzvah mean?
Bar Mitzvah means "son of the commandments" and is a traditional ceremony within Judaism that marks the "coming of age" of a young man. While it is a wonderful tradition, I am not aware of any place in Scripture that explicitly (or implicitly) refers to it.
Whether or not a child under the age of 18 is a "son of the commandments" does not change the need for discipline and correction. I'm almost 40 and I sometimes need a swift kick in the pants to get my head straightened out. Fortunately I have the firm and loving words of disciple from my brothers rather than a swift whack in the tail.
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. (Psalm 141:5)
