Discipline is one of the most debated aspects of parenting, and spanking, in particular, has become a highly controversial topic.
While some parents view it as a traditional tool to teach children boundaries and respect, many experts, including The American Academy of Pediatrics, have concluded that spanking is ineffective and can be harmful in the long term.
Yet, despite widespread criticism of the practice, some parents—including famous figures like singer Kelly Clarkson—still defend the approach they grew up with and sometimes employ it in their own homes.
Clarkson, who rose to global fame after winning the first season of American Idol, is not only recognized for her powerhouse vocals and hit songs but also for her candid, relatable approach to life and parenting.
She has consistently spoken openly about the challenges of raising her two children, River Rose, 8, and Remy, 6, giving fans insight into the joys, frustrations, and occasional controversies that come with being a public figure and a mom.
Growing Up in the South: Kelly’s Early Experiences with Discipline
Kelly Clarkson often attributes her own views on spanking to her upbringing in Texas. “I’m from the South, y’all, so we get spankings,” she once said in an interview, adding that her parents used spanking as part of their discipline routine.
She recalled that if she ever ended up in trouble at school, her mother would even coordinate with the principal to administer a spanking if deemed necessary.
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For Clarkson, these experiences did not carry negative long-term effects. She described herself as “a well-rounded individual with a lot of character,” and she credits her parents’ discipline as a formative influence in her life.
“My parents spanked me, I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it,” she noted, emphasizing that the practice did not diminish her self-esteem or sense of well-being.
This perspective has influenced her approach to parenting, particularly in moments when she feels that other forms of discipline, such as verbal warnings or time-outs, may not be sufficient.
Defending Her Choice as a Parent
In a 2019 radio interview, Kelly Clarkson openly discussed her willingness to employ spanking as a form of discipline, making it clear that she uses it thoughtfully and sparingly. “I’m not above spanking,” she said, clarifying, “I don’t mean hitting them hard. I just mean a little spanking.”
She emphasized that this approach is not about violence or anger but rather about teaching her children boundaries and respect in a way that is consistent with the lessons she learned as a child.
“I grew up with this,” Clarkson explained. “I don’t find anything wrong with it. My parents did it, I did fine, and I feel fine about it.”
Her comments highlight the distinction she draws between a controlled, purposeful spanking and aggressive or punitive physical punishment. For her, the goal is not to cause fear or pain but to reinforce rules and expectations in a context that her children can understand.
Challenges of Public Parenting
Being a public figure adds an additional layer of complexity to any parenting style. Clarkson has acknowledged that disciplining her children in public can be tricky because bystanders may misunderstand her actions or deem them inappropriate.
“That’s a tricky thing when you’re out in public,” she said. “People think that’s wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking.”
She even offered a candid anecdote: “You might catch me spanking my child at the zoo.” While this comment might raise eyebrows, it underscores the challenges of balancing parental authority with public scrutiny—an issue faced by many celebrity parents.
Despite these challenges, Clarkson remains steadfast in her belief that consistent discipline is essential for raising responsible, respectful children.
Communicating Clearly with Her Children
One notable aspect of Clarkson’s approach to discipline is her emphasis on communication. She does not administer a spanking without first explaining the reason to her children. “I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m going to spank you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now, this is ridiculous,’” she explained.
This transparency serves several purposes: it ensures that the children understand the consequence of their behavior, reinforces accountability, and maintains trust between parent and child.
Clarkson noted that this method has been effective in reducing the frequency of misbehavior, stating that her children do not engage in the same disruptive behaviors as often after these discussions.
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By combining clear communication with controlled physical discipline, Clarkson aims to teach her children that actions have consequences, while also maintaining a loving and respectful relationship.
The Controversy Around Spanking
Despite Clarkson’s careful and thoughtful approach, the topic of spanking remains highly contentious. Many child development experts caution against the practice, citing research that links physical punishment to increased aggression, behavioral problems, and long-term psychological effects.
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, spanking is not only ineffective but can be harmful, and they recommend alternative methods such as time-outs, positive reinforcement, and modeling appropriate behavior.
Critics argue that physical punishment—even when mild—is unnecessary and can inadvertently teach children that hitting is an acceptable response to frustration or disobedience.
However, Clarkson and other parents who use spanking responsibly contend that, when administered sparingly and in a controlled manner, it can be a practical tool for teaching boundaries and accountability.
Balancing Discipline, Love, and Parenting Philosophy
Clarkson’s philosophy reflects a broader challenge faced by parents: balancing effective discipline with love, empathy, and emotional support. In her case, she relies on a combination of approaches, tailoring her response to the situation, the child’s temperament, and the behavior in question.
Her approach emphasizes three key principles:
Consistency: Rules and consequences are clearly defined and applied consistently.
Communication: Children are informed in advance about expectations and potential consequences.
Moderation: Physical discipline, when used, is measured, controlled, and never administered out of anger.
Clarkson has described these principles as guiding her parenting decisions, creating a structure that her children understand and respect.
Parenting Under Public Scrutiny
The pressures of celebrity life add another layer to Clarkson’s parenting experience. Being constantly photographed and subject to social media commentary means that her choices are not private, even in seemingly mundane moments like disciplining a child in public.
Clarkson has acknowledged the challenge of navigating this scrutiny while maintaining her parenting philosophy.
She explained that the judgment from strangers or social media users can be difficult to ignore, but ultimately, she prioritizes her children’s well-being over public opinion. “People will have opinions no matter what you do,” she said. “But I know what’s right for my kids.”
Her transparency about these challenges provides a relatable insight for other parents who may feel similarly judged, whether in public spaces or through the lens of social media.
Professional Success and Motherhood
Kelly Clarkson’s approach to parenting is further contextualized by her busy career as a singer, songwriter, author, and television personality.
Managing the demands of fame, touring, recording, and hosting while raising two young children requires careful planning, delegation, and resilience.
Clarkson recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a milestone reflecting decades of dedication and achievement in entertainment. Yet, despite her professional accomplishments, she consistently emphasizes that her children remain her top priority.
Her parenting style, which blends traditional practices like spanking with modern principles of communication and understanding, reflects the challenges of balancing professional life with family responsibilities—a challenge familiar to many working parents, celebrity or not.
The Takeaway: Respecting Individual Parenting Choices
Kelly Clarkson’s candid discussion of spanking underscores a larger conversation about parenting, discipline, and cultural differences. While experts may debate the effectiveness and ethics of physical discipline, it is clear that Clarkson approaches parenting with thoughtfulness, intentionality, and love.
Her example highlights several key points for parents navigating these difficult decisions:
Parenting is personal: What works for one family may not work for another, and cultural background and personal experience often shape discipline choices.
Communication is essential: Explaining rules, expectations, and consequences builds trust and understanding between parent and child.
Consistency matters: Children thrive when rules are clear and applied fairly.
Public scrutiny is inevitable: Parents, especially public figures, must navigate societal judgment while prioritizing their children’s needs.
Clarkson’s perspective illustrates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Instead, thoughtful, intentional, and loving decisions—whether involving spanking or other methods—can create a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.
Conclusion
Kelly Clarkson’s willingness to speak openly about her approach to discipline, including her measured use of spanking, provides a window into the realities of modern parenting.
She demonstrates that parenting decisions are complex, influenced by upbringing, culture, personal experience, and the individual needs of children.
At the same time, Clarkson’s transparency reminds us of the broader societal conversations surrounding child-rearing practices, public scrutiny, and the balance between discipline and love.
Whether one agrees with her methods or not, her perspective emphasizes the importance of intentional, informed, and compassionate parenting.
Ultimately, Clarkson’s approach underscores a universal truth: parenting is rarely easy, often controversial, and always evolving.
By combining her personal experience with careful thought, love, and respect for her children, Kelly Clarkson provides a compelling example of how parents can navigate these challenges with integrity, courage, and heart.
Her story is more than just a discussion of spanking—it’s a reflection of the broader challenge of raising children in a complex, judgment-filled world while staying true to one’s values, culture, and instincts as a parent.
