Kelly Clarkson Shares Her Views on Spanking and Parenting
Kelly Clarkson has opened up about how she disciplines her children, sharing that she’s not against spanking when it comes to teaching them right from wrong. The singer and talk show host, who’s also a mom of two, said in an interview that she occasionally uses spanking as a form of discipline when her kids misbehave.
Clarkson, who hails from Fort Worth, Texas, and currently lives in Louisiana, said that spanking is a commonly accepted practice in the South. “I’m not above a spanking,” she explained, emphasizing that she doesn’t believe in harsh punishment—just a light tap on the backside when necessary.
She is the mom of River Rose, 5, and Remy, 3, and also has two stepchildren from her previous marriage to Brandon Blackstock. Clarkson noted that she always gives her children a warning before following through with any kind of discipline.
“I was spanked as a kid, and I turned out just fine,” she said, adding that her own upbringing plays a role in how she parents today. Clarkson believes that it helped her understand consequences and respect boundaries.
However, she admits that using this form of discipline in public can be tricky. “It’s hard when you’re out in public because people are very opinionated, and they don’t always agree with it,” she said.
The Ongoing Debate Around Spanking
Clarkson’s comments have sparked renewed discussion about corporal punishment, a topic that has long divided opinions. While some parents agree with the method and say it’s effective when used sparingly and thoughtfully, others strongly disagree and argue that it can be harmful to a child’s emotional development.
Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have publicly advised against spanking. They recommend other forms of discipline, such as setting clear expectations, offering praise for good behavior, and using time-outs or loss of privileges instead.
Discipline is a personal parenting choice, and what works for one family may not work for another. Clarkson’s honesty about her approach has certainly stirred the pot, but it also opens the door for broader conversations about parenting styles, cultural influences, and the best ways to guide kids through life.
What are your thoughts on Kelly’s parenting style? Do you think spanking has a place in modern parenting? Let us know in the comments—and feel free to share this article with others to keep the conversation going.