Sarah Jensen, an acclaimed actress and mother, isn’t afraid to dive into contentious subjects. On her popular YouTube channel, she shares her insights on various parenting issues, from breastfeeding to the importance of language in how we refer to women. Recently, a compelling video of hers has resonated with many parents as she confronts the polarizing topic of spanking.
In the video titled “Disciplining Children,” Jensen vehemently opposes the belief that children who are not spanked will grow to be unruly and spoiled. Instead, she advocates for a parenting approach rooted in consistency and empathy, which she believes fosters well-adjusted and respectful children.
Jensen begins her six-minute discourse by addressing a common argument for corporal punishment: biblical references. Some individuals cite scripture, claiming, “Whoever spares the rod hates their child.” However, Jensen counters that the Bible also condones severe actions, such as stoning a disobedient son. “Let’s not use the Bible as our parenting manual in this day and age,” she asserts.
Instead, Jensen urges parents to heed research indicating that physical punishment can have detrimental effects on children’s emotional, mental, and physical development. A significant longitudinal study shows that hitting can lead to adverse outcomes, and she emphasizes, “Hitting teaches avoidance, not obedience.” While some children may seem unaffected, for many, the scars can last a lifetime. Why risk such negative repercussions when every child reacts differently?
According to Jensen, children are inherently wired to trust their primary caregivers. “When a child is harmed by someone they love, it’s as confusing for them as it is for adults,” she explains. “We wouldn’t hit our partner, student, or even a pet, so why is it acceptable to hit our children?” Jensen believes that, in most cases, parental impatience drives the decision to resort to physical punishment, rather than it being an effective disciplinary method.
She acknowledges that while spanking might yield immediate results in curbing undesirable behavior, it comes at a high price. “I know how tempting it is to seek quick fixes for behaviors we want to eliminate,” she admits. Yet, she opts for a more compassionate approach. “I’m one of the stricter moms I know. My role isn’t to be my child’s friend; I’m their mother.”
Setting boundaries and providing structure is paramount, according to Jensen. For instance, when her 4-year-old son began tossing wooden blocks dangerously close to his baby brother, she removed all the blocks and placed them out of reach. He cried for days but eventually learned not to throw them again. Similarly, when faced with whining, she employs consistent responses to reinforce boundaries, stating, “A week of firmly saying ‘no’ can change that behavior.”
When her children misbehave at the park, she opts to carry them out, reinforcing her commitment to follow through. “I could easily resort to a quick slap, but that wouldn’t foster open communication,” she remarks. By utilizing alternative disciplinary methods, Jensen and her children build what she describes as “emotional savings.” These reserves help them navigate challenges from a base of trust and safety.
Choosing to engage in consistent, non-violent discipline is not a simple task. However, opting against spanking cultivates a healthier relationship, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and trust. For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this excellent resource on the topic. Furthermore, if you’re exploring options for family planning, consider reading about home insemination at Hopkins Medicine. You might also find this artificial insemination kit insightful.
In summary, Sarah Jensen presents a compelling case against spanking, advocating for a parenting strategy that prioritizes empathy and consistency over corporal punishment. She underscores the importance of building a strong parent-child relationship grounded in trust and open communication.