Proverbs 1324 reads, whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their

children is careful to discipline them. Whereas if you study position statements from the

American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Pediatric

Association, the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, the Australian Medical Association, the World Health Organization, or UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, you'll find something like this, which comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics and reads,

The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that corporal punishment, including spanking,

hitting, and other forms of physical or emotional punishment is not effective and can cause

harm.

The AAP recommends that parents and caregivers use healthy forms of discipline, such as positive

reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, setting limits, redirecting, setting a good example.

Corporal punishment has been associated with increased aggression, anti-social behavior,

and mental health problems in children.

It is important for parents and caregivers to

provide a safe, nurturing, and insomortive environment for children to thrive. If you're a believer

and you trust this Iron Age poetry over the word of pretty much every important scientist in the

world on this matter, then I'm not likely going to change your mind this morning.

But if you're a parent, I hope you understand that you owe it to your kids to make them feel safe and free from violence.

If you're the former child of this kind of abuse, I hope you understand that it's not your fault if you find family relationships stressful and maybe even infuriating,

but it is your responsibility to heal and break the cycle. And finally, if you think you can give

me any good goddamn reason to reconsider my stance on hitting kids, well, give us a call this instant

because the show is coming right now.

All right.

Well, welcome everyone.

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