When in Rome

So I have figured out why these Saudi children seem better behaved in public then my own.

A good spanking has never hurt anyone here in the Kingdom. 

Of course, you could have imagined the shock on my face upon witnessing this transgression that was only declared in the western world after I graduated my childhood years.  Boy I remember the days of the ping-pong paddle, and stinging behind clearly. Now it is 1 2 3 Magic and a handful of other new age initiatives that do not seem to work with my stubborn, smarter than me children.

I have tried every other parenting strategy with my two young boys, but of course not this one, as it is unacceptable in Canada.  Surely this must be why these children are so well behaved, no?

Anyway, back to the situation at hand.  This adorable little girl who looked to be about 3 to 4 years of age, was running through the supermarkets entrance.  She was so focused on her father’s trailing thobe, that she missed the lip of the step.  She fell flat out on her wee little face, and was crying and screaming uncontrollably. 

The father rushed to her side, picking her up, kissing her wildly, and wiping her tears away while cooing softly.  I thought to myself, what a wonderful tender loving daddy.

With a quick turn of events, my Saudi Cleaver family episode bubble was burst instantaneously. 

Seconds later, as he lowered her to her feet, he clasped her arm tightly whipping her around to face the lip of the step as he pointed it out.  With a swift few smacks of her behind, he said “Now next time watch where you are going, so you don’t trip and embarrass your family.”  Once again the tears began to flow in silence, and they walked on. 

I have to admit, I secretly have imagined myself spanking my kids throughout the course of the last five years, when filled with absolute frustration and angst.  Show me a parent who has not?

Somehow, I don’t think spanking the children that I am blessed to have would result in a similar outcome.  Perhaps Matt needs to go to Saudi parenting classes just to be sure. ;)

Nanna this post was for you!