Parents Should Hold a “Short Reign of Terror” With Spankings for Every Offense
We would tell the kids we were sorry for letting that happen, and let them know we were going to have a short reign of terror.
In Douglas Wilson’s own words: 3 quotes from 2018 to 2026, from Why Children Matter, The Gospel Truth and Canon Press, each cited to the source.
For example, when obedience would get a little raggedy around the house, we would confer, talk about it, and perhaps decide to tighten things up. We would line up the kids and tell them that there was too much squabbling or fussing or whatever. We would tell the kids we were sorry for letting that happen, and let them know we were going to have a short reign of terror. That meant no warnings, and spankings for all offenses.
When our kids were little, do what you just described, trying to play mom off of dad or playing dad off of mom, when our kids were little, that was a spanking offense... So, if you say, "Mom, can I go out in the backyard?" "No, I'm about ready to put lunch on the table." "Dad, can I go out and play in the backyard?" If dad hears that you just asked your mom that 30 seconds ago, that's a spanking. Because in this house, you're not allowed to act like we're on different teams.
He clearly needs discipline, but he's on a public sidewalk and you don't want to discipline in view of all the passersby, who will, half of whom will misinterpret what's going on. But that kind of behavior calls for an admonition on the rear end.