Tough Love vs. Spanking– An Alternative Parenting Technique

This is one of the funniest things I’ve ever received in my email. I honestly laughed so hard I nearly choked on my herb tea. I wish I could let you read the letter before seeing the picture—it makes the punchline twice as good. Although none of us would ever actually do this (and I feel obligated to make that crystal clear for the humor-impaired), it sure brings a smile to your heart just thinking about it.

The letter starts off sounding completely serious. It’s titled “Dear Friends,” and it’s written in that calm, matter-of-fact tone of a parent who’s clearly been through the wars. The writer talks about how most people these days think it’s improper to spank children, so they’ve been trying other “methods” to manage misbehavior. Sounds reasonable so far, right?

Then comes the part about the car ride technique. The writer explains that whenever the kids are acting up, they just take them for a drive. Some say it’s the vibration of the car that calms them down, others say it’s the quiet time away from distractions—no TV, no video games, no cell phones. Supposedly, the kids come home calm, well-behaved, and reflective. Eye contact, the letter assures us, is key.

And then—then—you scroll down and see the photo. A kid plastered to the outside of the car’s windshield, hair flying, mouth wide open in mid-scream, while the car is apparently barreling down the road. The caption might as well read, “See? Works every time!”

Now again, before anyone faints, it’s obviously a joke. But you have to admit, it’s the perfect setup. Every parent (and grandparent) who’s ever survived a tantrum has probably fantasized about a creative “discipline strategy.” This one just happens to involve a little more horsepower!

So yes, it’s completely outrageous—but also completely hilarious. Sometimes laughter really is the best survival tool.

Dear Friends,

Most of the American population thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of those moments.

One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk. Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc. Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot too.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique. This works with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well.

Sincerely,
Your Friend

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©2008 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm