[CanadianChick]

Hi, Wondrous. Lee already said this, but I want to repeat: when I advocate spanking, I am not advocating the kind of abuse you've described. Biblical discipline is controlled, loving and gentle. Yes, it's firm, and yes, it hurts the child. But it's not done in anger or in reaction. I'm not giving my child a whallop because she's dropped her peanut butter and jam on the carpet. We're not promoting violence or disproportionate punishments.

To me, when my children are disobedient or disrespectful, the behaviour needs to be extinguished. The Bible tells us that "the rod" is an appropriate method of discipline. Here's how I try to do it:
(1) I'll give them fair warning ("You're being disobedient, I've asked you to do such-and-such.")
(2) If the behaviour continues, it's punished. I'll send the child to her room, and wait awhile (one or two mins.) if I'm mad and need to settle down.
(3) I go in, take her on my lap, talk about what went wrong, and make sure she's understanding me.
(4) I spank her bottom with a few smacks, enough to hurt but not enough to damage her. (the point is to make it hurt for a few minutes but no more.)
(5) Then I'll snuggle her and talk with her, to make sure she knows I love her.
(6) She'll have to do whatever it was that she wouldn't do in the first place.

It's all about shaping your child into a Christ-like mold. Christ was obedient (even unto death), he was kind and respectful, he was gentle and loving. We as parents must show these qualities as we seek to instill them into our children. It's not easy, but I do believe it's a Biblical take on discipline.

[Mike Graham]

Originally Posted by Kelly

Jesus is also the same way - he doesn't harshly reprimand us for our actions, he gently brings us back to him when we have lost our way and turn back to him.

As a small sidebar, the Bible has a number of examples of God harshly reprimanding His people for their actions to bring us back into His fold.