January 25, 2007

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

Last week, State Assemblywoman Sally Lieber put forth a bill that would charge parents with a misdemeanor who are caught spanking children under age 3. What do you think about this bill?
(Asked at Jakes Tot Lot and the Almaden Branch Library)

“It’s baloney. The government should not be involved in that level of discipline. It’s a thin line between spanking and abuse. Unfortunately, while I don’t use spanking frequently, I have used it in the past. It’s an important part of parenting tools. Sometimes, children exhibit dangerous and/or life-threatening behavior that requires a really significant impact from parents [to let our children know they have done something wrong]. Lieber’s method is putting too much government in the average person’s life. I’ve seen a lot of parents that use mental and emotional abuse, that’s a lot worse than a simple ‘potch’ on their diaper. I see very little spanking or hitting of young children.”

Chris Bleigh, 42
San Jose
Homemaker


“I think the United States is totally different than the Netherlands [where I’m from]. We don’t believe in spanking, but sometimes you need to get through to them and a little spank or ‘potch’ on the diaper doesn’t really hurt them. This country is so new to me. Legally things seem a little out of proportion.”

Bianca de Juong, 36
Almaden
Homemaker


“Adults should be responsible for their children, but the safety of the children comes first.”

Jessie Chavez, 65
Almaden
Cashier


“I completely disagree, the government has no place telling parents how we should be disciplining our kids. Obviously there’s a difference between spanking and corporal punishment. Spanking is a good way for toddlers to learn to pay attention to their parents. How would this law be regulated? Where does she draw the line of privacy in the home?”

Lisa Boersma, 24
Almaden
Homemaker


“I think any kind of discipline for children needs to be kept in perspective. That bill lumps abuse and discipline into one bill and they are two different things."

Catherine Perrino, 37
Almaden
Homemaker


“It’s ridiculous. I don’t think parents abuse their children that much. A person who does spank their children abusively would do so with or without the law she’s proposing. Besides, we have enough laws already.”

Ford Cowell, 79
San Jose/Almaden border
Retired


"I think it’s a shame we have to legislate respectful behavior. I believe in positive discipline always. I know people who spank their children and I feel sorry for those people.”

Karen Palermo, 38
Almaden
Homemaker


"I think it’s actually good that she’s trying to pass that bill. People are taking things to extremes. We have to protect our children, so I’m for it."

Lisa Schirle, 42
Almaden
Part-time registered nurse
and homemaker