Bend over

I was in Barnes and Noble last week perusing the latest CDs. While I was waiting in line to pay, a little boy waiting in front of me with his mother and started throwing the most spectacular fit I have ever seen.\nNow, I'm not just talking a few tears. With all the screaming, flailing and red-faced wailing, this kid was in the running for an Oscar, or a nomination at least.\nFrom what I could gather, he was upset because Mom wouldn't let him have the Harry Potter glow-in-the-dark broomstick and matching glasses or something to that effect. It was hard to make out exact words in between the screeching. \nWhatever it was he wanted must have been pretty cool, because he was screaming at a decibel level so high that my ears were beginning to bleed.\nIt's times like these I realize that I am a huge proponent of the spanking.\nGasp? Did she really say it? \nI know, I know. Spanking isn't exactly en vogue these days. Psychologists the world over have decided that spanking your child is cruel and scars them for life. I wholeheartedly disagree. The occasional spanking can instill respect in many a child. I think kids today could use a few because time outs just don't seem to be cutting it.\nNow let me clarify before I start getting nasty letters in the Jordan River Forum. I'm not talking about knocking your child into next week any time he looks at you sideways. There's a huge difference between punishment and abuse. Beating your child really is cruel and scars them for life.\nSpanking in moderation; however, is an apt response to certain behaviors.\nLet's look back at my case in point: The Barnes and Noble mother was using the "I'm going to pretend that you don't exist in hopes that you'll shut up and stop embarrassing me" tactic. This was only making little Johnny scream louder and with greater gusto. Maybe a nice firm grip on the arm or a warning of a bigger punishment would have spared us customers the thrill of his performance.\nA good sign that you need to do more than the evil eye is when you begin to get "I wish you were dead" looks from other patrons in line.\nI'd also like to point out that spanking isn't just for bratty kids in public places. Some school systems across the U.S. are experimenting with the return of corporal punishment, or paddling as noted on www.familyeducation.com. Many states have outlawed that practice. Indiana isn't one of them. \nIt works in that paddling isn't mandatory. The student can either take the detention or other punishment, or they can take a paddling. No one gets hit against their will.\nSounds good to me. I know plenty of guys I graduated with who, when faced with the prospect of paddling, sure wouldn't have dyed the pool red.\nCorporal punishment might even work on the collegiate level. I know my job as a resident assistant would be a lot more fun if we got to do dorm rounds with a paddle instead of a pen and paper. The IU Police Department could even just line up the wayward frat boys and…well, that's a story for another time.\nUntil then, I urge all parents who read this to consider how they handle their children in public. You don't even have to spank them, but at least don't ignore the flailing and screaming. \nBarnes and Noble will be a much happier place.