{"id":2537,"date":"2026-01-27T08:54:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/?p=2537"},"modified":"2026-01-27T08:54:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:54:11","slug":"kelly-clarkson-says-shes-not-above-spanking-her-children-for-misbehavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/?p=2537","title":{"rendered":"Kelly Clarkson says she\u2019s \u2018not above spanking\u2019 her children for misbehavior"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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\u00a0<strong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"578\">The American Academy of Pediatrics<\/strong>, have concluded that spanking is ineffective and can be harmful in the long term. Yet, despite widespread criticism of the practice, some parents\u2014including famous figures like singer\u00a0<strong data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"780\">Kelly Clarkson<\/strong>\u2014still 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\u00a0<em data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"955\">American Idol<\/em>, is not only recognized for her powerhouse vocals and hit songs but also for her candid, relatable approach to life and parenting.\u00a0 She has consistently spoken openly about the challenges of raising her two children,\u00a0<strong data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1186\">River Rose<\/strong>, 8, and\u00a0<strong data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1203\">Remy<\/strong>, 6, giving fans insight into the joys, frustrations, and occasional controversies that come with being a public figure and a mom.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1335\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20546 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kelly-clarkson-1-600x540.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"430\" height=\"387\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kelly-clarkson-1-600x540.webp\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1414\">Growing Up in the South: Kelly\u2019s Early Experiences with Discipline<\/h3>\n<p>Kelly Clarkson often attributes her own views on spanking to her upbringing in Texas. \u201cI\u2019m from the South, y\u2019all, so we get spankings,\u201d 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. For Clarkson, these experiences did not carry negative long-term effects. She described herself as \u201ca well-rounded individual with a lot of character,\u201d and she credits her parents\u2019 discipline as a formative influence in her life. \u201cMy parents spanked me, I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2459\">Defending Her Choice as a Parent<\/h3>\n<p>In a\u00a0<strong data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2490\">2019 radio interview<\/strong>, Kelly Clarkson openly discussed her willingness to employ spanking as a form of discipline, making it clear that she uses it thoughtfully and sparingly. \u201cI\u2019m not above spanking,\u201d she said, clarifying, \u201cI don\u2019t mean hitting them hard. I just mean a little spanking.\u201d 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.\u00a0 \u201cI grew up with this,\u201d Clarkson explained. \u201cI don\u2019t find anything wrong with it. My parents did it, I did fine, and I feel fine about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3373\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3373\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20547 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2192201683-2b2aa9b32ab341ee9735192311fa827c-600x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"451\" height=\"406\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2192201683-2b2aa9b32ab341ee9735192311fa827c-600x540.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3380\" data-end=\"3416\">Challenges of Public Parenting<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3418\" data-end=\"3807\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3418\" data-end=\"3807\">\u201cThat\u2019s a tricky thing when you\u2019re out in public,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople think that\u2019s wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"4216\">She even offered a candid anecdote: \u201cYou might catch me spanking my child at the zoo.\u201d While this comment might raise eyebrows, it underscores the challenges of balancing parental authority with public scrutiny\u2014an issue faced by many celebrity parents.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"4216\">Despite these challenges, Clarkson remains steadfast in her belief that consistent discipline is essential for raising responsible, respectful children.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4223\" data-end=\"4268\">Communicating Clearly with Her Children<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4270\" data-end=\"4569\">One notable aspect of Clarkson\u2019s approach to discipline is her emphasis on communication. She does not administer a spanking without first explaining the reason to her children. \u201cI\u2019m like, \u2018Hi, I\u2019m going to spank you on your bottom if you don\u2019t stop right now, this is ridiculous,\u2019\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4963\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4963\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20548 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kelly-clarkson-river-rose-600x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"487\" height=\"438\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kelly-clarkson-river-rose-600x540.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4963\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4965\" data-end=\"5165\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5172\" data-end=\"5209\">The Controversy Around Spanking<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5728\">Despite Clarkson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5728\">According to\u00a0<strong data-start=\"5517\" data-end=\"5555\">The American Academy of Pediatrics<\/strong>, spanking is not only ineffective but can be harmful, and they recommend alternative methods such as time-outs, positive reinforcement, and modeling appropriate behavior.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5730\" data-end=\"6114\">Critics argue that physical punishment\u2014even when mild\u2014is unnecessary and can inadvertently teach children that hitting is an acceptable response to frustration or disobedience.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5730\" data-end=\"6114\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6121\" data-end=\"6179\">Balancing Discipline, Love, and Parenting Philosophy<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6181\" data-end=\"6477\">Clarkson\u2019s 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\u2019s temperament, and the behavior in question.<\/p>\n<div class=\"google-anno-skip google-anno-sc\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\" aria-label=\"Gift baskets\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">Gift baskets<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"6181\" data-end=\"6477\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20549 lzl-ed lzl-cached\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/rs_634x1024-230819115510-634-kelly-clarkson-kids-river-rose-remy-alexander-walk-of-fame-star-ceremony-cjh-091922-600x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"456\" height=\"410\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/rs_634x1024-230819115510-634-kelly-clarkson-kids-river-rose-remy-alexander-walk-of-fame-star-ceremony-cjh-091922-600x540.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6479\" data-end=\"6526\">Her approach emphasizes three key principles:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6531\" data-end=\"6618\"><strong data-start=\"6531\" data-end=\"6547\">Consistency:<\/strong>\u00a0Rules and consequences are clearly defined and applied consistently.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6722\"><strong data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6640\">Communication:<\/strong>\u00a0Children are informed in advance about expectations and potential consequences.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6726\" data-end=\"6837\"><strong data-start=\"6726\" data-end=\"6741\">Moderation:<\/strong>\u00a0Physical discipline, when used, is measured, controlled, and never administered out of anger.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6839\" data-end=\"6979\">Clarkson has described these principles as guiding her parenting decisions, creating a structure that her children understand and respect.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6986\" data-end=\"7023\">Parenting Under Public Scrutiny<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7025\" data-end=\"7292\">The pressures of celebrity life add another layer to Clarkson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7294\" data-end=\"7683\">Clarkson has acknowledged the challenge of navigating this scrutiny while maintaining her parenting philosophy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7294\" data-end=\"7683\">She explained that the judgment from strangers or social media users can be difficult to ignore, but ultimately, she prioritizes her children\u2019s well-being over public opinion. \u201cPeople will have opinions no matter what you do,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I know what\u2019s right for my kids.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7685\" data-end=\"7866\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7685\" data-end=\"7866\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20550 lzl-cached lzl-ed\" src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/rs_817x1024-230819121529-817-kelly-clarkson-kids-river-remy-instagram-cjh-081923-600x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"442\" data-lzl-src=\"https:\/\/likya.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/rs_817x1024-230819121529-817-kelly-clarkson-kids-river-remy-instagram-cjh-081923-600x540.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"7873\" data-end=\"7914\">Professional Success and Motherhood<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7916\" data-end=\"8212\">Kelly Clarkson\u2019s approach to parenting is further contextualized by her busy career as a singer, songwriter, author, and television personality.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7916\" data-end=\"8212\">Managing the demands of fame, touring, recording, and hosting while raising two young children requires careful planning, delegation, and resilience.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8214\" data-end=\"8481\">Clarkson recently received a star on the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"8255\" data-end=\"8281\">Hollywood Walk of Fame<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8483\" data-end=\"8761\">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\u2014a challenge familiar to many working parents, celebrity or not.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"8768\" data-end=\"8827\">The Takeaway: Respecting Individual Parenting Choices<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"8829\" data-end=\"9138\">Kelly Clarkson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"google-anno-skip google-anno-sc\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\" aria-label=\"Gift baskets\" data-google-vignette=\"false\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\">Gift baskets<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"9140\" data-end=\"9233\">Her example highlights several key points for parents navigating these difficult decisions:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9237\" data-end=\"9397\"><strong data-start=\"9237\" data-end=\"9263\">Parenting is personal:<\/strong>\u00a0What works for one family may not work for another, and cultural background and personal experience often shape discipline choices.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9400\" data-end=\"9539\"><strong data-start=\"9400\" data-end=\"9431\">Communication is essential:<\/strong>\u00a0Explaining rules, expectations, and consequences builds trust and understanding between parent and child.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9542\" data-end=\"9625\"><strong data-start=\"9542\" data-end=\"9566\">Consistency matters:<\/strong>\u00a0Children thrive when rules are clear and applied fairly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9628\" data-end=\"9775\"><strong data-start=\"9628\" data-end=\"9662\">Public scrutiny is inevitable:<\/strong>\u00a0Parents, especially public figures, must navigate societal judgment while prioritizing their children\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9777\" data-end=\"10047\">Clarkson\u2019s perspective illustrates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Instead, thoughtful, intentional, and loving decisions\u2014whether involving spanking or other methods\u2014can create a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"10054\" data-end=\"10070\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"10072\" data-end=\"10399\">Kelly Clarkson\u2019s willingness to speak openly about her approach to discipline, including her measured use of spanking, provides a window into the realities of modern parenting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10072\" data-end=\"10399\">She demonstrates that parenting decisions are complex, influenced by upbringing, culture, personal experience, and the individual needs of children.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10401\" data-end=\"10733\">At the same time, Clarkson\u2019s transparency reminds us of the broader societal conversations surrounding child-rearing practices, public scrutiny, and the balance between discipline and love.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10401\" data-end=\"10733\">Whether one agrees with her methods or not, her perspective emphasizes the importance of intentional, informed, and compassionate parenting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10735\" data-end=\"11088\">Ultimately, Clarkson\u2019s approach underscores a universal truth: parenting is rarely easy, often controversial, and always evolving.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10735\" data-end=\"11088\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"11090\" data-end=\"11315\">Her story is more than just a discussion of spanking\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of the broader challenge of raising children in a complex, judgment-filled world while staying true to one\u2019s values, culture, and instincts as a parent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2538,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8],"tags":[12,15,26],"class_list":["post-2537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-story","tag-news","tag-people","tag-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2537"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2539,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2537\/revisions\/2539"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topshowusa.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}