I think that it is cruel to isolate a child from the family
through the use of "time out". I believe it is better to give them
their spanking and allow them to continue with the family.
Sending them to time out feels a little like the
"silent treatment", that can be very damaging to young children. It
sends the message that we don't like you to be with us. Children need to learn
to take their licks and get back up and keep on going with those that care
about them.
I have noticed that "time out", leaves a child to
stew and become bitter. God said to use the rod, in love we can do this and
allow the child to learn that punishment redirects us, and when we have been
disciplined and learned to obey, we can continue with the family.
Punishment is not for the purpose of revenge, but for
redirecting the behavior. When the behavior has been corrected, then they know
they are loved, and the reason for the discipline, they were allowed continue
with the family as though they were still loved and valued.
I used to ask my children "whose fault is this
spanking", they would answer "mine Mommy." They knew I didn't
want to have to spank them, but their behavior required it. The attitude was
not that "we don't like you", the attitude was "you have acted
badly and must learn to behave properly."
Manipulation and intimidation damages children, "time
out" is a form of manipulation rather than discipline. It teaches a child
to use emotional black mail rather than discipline and straight talk to resolve
a matter.
