Who knew I was a "Bad Parent"

I am going to get hate mail for this, I just know it.

There is some scary legislation trying to make its way into California. For any of you who haven't heard, there is a bill proposing to make spanking a criminal offense that could lead to jail time for parents. It is called AB 755 if you want to google it. I had heard about this in the works, but that the bill had been shot down. Much to my surprise, the bill has been approved by committee. I am appalled and terrified about what this means.

Can our government ACTUALLY be so bold as to dictate how we can raise our children now? I know that spanking is a VERY hot topic. But whether you feel like it is how you want to raise your children or not, to make it a CRIMINAL act to use traditional parenting methods is OUTRAGEOUS!

According to Sally Lieber, the liberal who is pushing for this bill, a "good parent" would never spank their child so if you are a "good parent" you have no cause for worry. According to Lieber, this bill only deals with child abuse. It will make spanking a child with an implement (such as a ruler or wooden spoon) a criminal act.

I personally do not like to spank with an object other than my hand. But many people do, saying that they choose to reserve their hands for affection and another object for the purpose of discipline. There is nothing criminal in that.

For anyone who truly understands discipline with love understands that spanking is NEVER done in anger. It is reserved for moments of defiance and as a last resort. A spanking should be followed up with a gentle conversation and spoken understanding that there is great love between the parent and the child.

My parents spanked me and my brothers as a child when necessary. I was not abused. I have a wonderful and respectful relationship with my parents. It is not a relationship that is based on fear but one of love.

If this bill passes we are going to be overwhelmed with parents going to trial trying to prove that they spanked their child "justifiably" so as not to go to jail for up to one year. It will waste our time, government money, and will bring a lot of pain to many families.

For more information and links on how to contact the governor and your assemblyman please go HERE.