Child Discipline: Personal Experiences with Paddling in the 1980s

The topic of child discipline has been a long-standing debate among parents, educators, and experts. One form of traditional discipline that was common in the 1980s and earlier was paddling. This article delves into various personal experiences with paddling, how it was used in different settings, and the lasting impacts on individuals.

Spanking with a Paddle at School and Home

Those of us who grew up in the 1980s can attest to the common practice of paddling at school and home. In schools, the paddle was often used, usually over one's pants, to avoid the intense pain of hitting bare skin. At home, the wooden spoon, fly swatter, and belt were all used, depending on the parents' preference. When camping, more natural implements like switches from bushes or trees were often used.

Mark shared his experience of being spanked with a paddle at school. He mentioned that it was during the school years, and the paddle provided a more severe form of punishment than the regular wooden rod that was used. His aunt, whom he was raised by, was also very strict and used a leather belt as her primary tool for discipline. If he got in trouble, he usually received a blistering spanking with the leather belt. His most memorable experience was when he was caught smoking at 13; he received a paddling over the knee and was then made to bend over a chair and received a severe whipping with the belt, leaving his butt "on fire."

Spanking at Unlikely Places

Spanking can occur in various unanticipated settings, as several individuals have shared their experiences. For example, Mark also shared how he was spanked in a grocery store with a wooden cutting board. Whether this counts as a paddle is not entirely certain, but the pain was unequivocal. Similarly, he mentioned being spanked multiple times at school and home, and even once at a truck stop.

Another individual, Anonymous, remembers being disciplined by their mother with various implements, including a piece of bamboo, a walking stick, and a strap. Interestingly, they highlight that nowadays, children are committing crimes that were not even considered adult crimes in the past. The columnist emphasizes that the newer generation's belief that discipline now involves just a short time in a naughty corner is not accurate. The parents of today may be underestimating the severity of consequences that their children might face in the real world.

Historical Context and Its Impact

The practice of using paddles and other implements for spanking was common in the 1980s and earlier. Parents and teachers believed that this form of discipline was effective in teaching children right from wrong. However, the debate around whether it is a form of child abuse is ongoing. Some argue that it can leave lasting physical and emotional scars on children. Others defend it, emphasizing its effectiveness in behavior correction.

Mark’s mother also used a crutch from a paddle made of cheap and broken material. This ad hoc solution indicates that even when parents found the official paddles to be inadequate, they would improvise with whatever they had available. This can be seen as an indication of the continued emphasis on corporal punishment despite the availability of other forms of discipline.

Conclusion

The use of paddling as a form of child discipline, while common in the past, has been the subject of much controversy. It is important for current parents, educators, and policymakers to consider the long-term effects of such practices. Today, many advocate for alternative forms of discipline that promote positive behavior without causing physical harm. Understanding the historical context and personal experiences can help in formulating more humane and effective methods of child rearing.

Keywords: Paddling, child discipline, corporal punishment