At what age is a child too old for a spanking?



Answer:
It depends on the child. Basically, the younger the child, the more good a spanking does. I wouldn't spank a child younger than about 1 1/2, but popping the back of the hand might be necessary before that. If you are consistent when they are young, spankings should become a rare thing as they get older. I would say after the age of 12 for most kids spankings do little good.
I hate it that there are states trying to pass legislation that parents can't spank a child before the age of 3. If you wait that long they will already be such brats that spanking won't do much good. And what else can you do to a defiant toddler- send him to his room or ground him?
Grounding by the way can be very effective once a child is too old to spank.

Mother of 6 wonderful, well-behaved children.
birth
birth. Children should not be spanked.
Although I dont believe in spankings(not that I never have),Id say its defiently too old when they can be reasoned with. But even some two year olds can be talked to. My daughter never gave me trouble. My son(now 3 1/2) has always been wild. Ive exhausted time out,gave him mustard and spanking,taking things away,giving quarters. Until recently I though he was just going to be a hard kid What works is making him look you in the eye until your done speaking,start over every time he looks away,and somehow this works! Its easy,stressless and dosent punish you at the same time. Sometimes I actually give him a hug(when the "crime" was minimal) tell him I love him(again make eye contact) and repeat what I want him to do. But that can only be dont the first time because its too much attention(especially at bed time) but it works and I dont have to repeat myself.
No child should be spanked. There are plenty other humane punishments out there. Take away TV or computer time for a day, have your child help you clean up the house, anything but spanking!
This is a hot button topic at the moment. Personally, I think that there are much better ways to discipline kids. But you need to decide for youself the best way to discipline your children. You need to do some research on the topic and then make an informed decision about how you want to go about it. The worst thing you can do is to continue spanking just because this is the way you have always done it, it was the way you were raised, and it is an automatic response. Next time you spank your child, have a really good look into his/her face and notice the look in their eyes.
I don't think a child should ever be spanked. Try taking away toys or privileges.
"spanking" is quite a harsh word. I dont believe any child should be "spanked", however i do believe that a short sharp shock - as in a tap on the hand or bum - does work, and is sometimes VERY necessary.

I have 3 children, 8, 5 and 4. I no longer NEED to smack them. They are punished for their wrong doings - given time out etc

Once your child learns to understand what a punishment is and what it is for, then it will work, and they no longer should be smacked.
Children should never be spanked
I told my son he'll never be too old for me to bust his ***.
We as parents are aiming to stop spanking our girls at the age of 12 or 13. However, so far in my parenting, i have learned never to say never. I currently have a 10 year old, who is not in any way "to old" to be turned over the knee, for a good old fashioned spanking.
I'd say 10
10 for boys

19 for girls

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