Anonymous asked this question on 3/6/2000:

Hi,

I want an opinion from the experts in this category. If someone chooses to spank their child for discipline, do you think they should have their child taken away from them by social services? I have a friend who disciplines her child with spanking. Her child went to school one day and told a teacher that she gets spanked. The next day social services were at her door, they had her under investigation for months. They told her if she spanks and/or yells at her child it is abuse and they will come back and take this child from her. That child loves her mother and she is a good mom. She provides for her and nutures her fully. They are very close and this would distroy this child.

Do you think this is right?

jannamd gave this response on 3/8/2000:

I don't think that social services should intervene with regard to routine discipline in the household. I don't think that anyone should intervene, for the sole reason of disagreement with paddling. If, however, a child is being abused beyond reasonable doubt, then I think that the flags are up and the parents need to be held accountable. I am totally against ANYONE abusing their power in any capacity. It is a gift, this power thing, and is fleeting for abusers thereof.

Dr Janna

The average rating for this answer is 4.6.

Anonymous rated this answer a 5.