Kelly Clarkson has sparked controversy after admitting that she spanks her children if they misbehave. In a resurfaced 2018 interview with Atlanta Radio station 94.1, the singer and talk show host openly discussed her approach to discipline, stating, “I’m not above a spanking.” Clarkson emphasized that she doesn’t hit her children hard but believes that spanking is an effective way to correct their behavior, even in public settings where it might attract disapproval.
Clarkson, who grew up in the South and was spanked by her own parents, defended the practice by sharing her personal experiences. She described herself as a “well-rounded individual with a lot of character” and credited her upbringing for shaping who she is today. Clarkson noted that her mother even allowed school principals to spank her if necessary. As a mother of two, River Rose, eight, and Remington Alexander, six, Clarkson believes that her approach has positively impacted her children’s behavior.
The revelation has sparked a heated debate online. Some critics condemned Clarkson’s parenting style, with one Twitter user accusing her of promoting harmful practices and expressing concern that Child Protective Services (CPS) could intervene. Others defended the singer, arguing that spanking, when done appropriately, is not abusive and has been a common disciplinary method in many cultures. Some supporters even shared their own experiences of being spanked as children, insisting that it did not cause them harm.
Clarkson herself acknowledged the divisive nature of spanking, particularly in public, but remains steadfast in her belief that it is an effective form of discipline. The ongoing debate highlights the broader societal divide over parenting practices, with some advocating for more progressive approaches and others maintaining traditional methods.
