Parents globally are split on the topic of corporal punishment, yet Kelly Clarkson holds a definitive stance. The American Idol champion has expressed that she is “not opposed” to smacking, acknowledging, “I do that,” and has also discussed the challenges of disciplining her children in public settings.
Clarkson remarked that administering a spanking to her children in public can be challenging, as such actions are generally disapproved of. During an interview on Atlanta Radio station 94.1 in 2018, she stated: ‘I do not oppose the idea of spanking, although it is not widely accepted. I do not intend to strike her forcefully; rather, I refer to a light spanking.’
The host of The Kelly Clarkson Show stated, “My parents disciplined me through spanking, and I have turned out well in life, feeling comfortable with that approach, which I also apply with my children.
“She acknowledged the complexity of this practice in public settings, as it often draws criticism, yet she personally sees no issue with spanking.
However, Clarkson clarified that she does not resort to immediate physical discipline; instead, she provides her children with a warning beforehand.
She stated, ‘Hello, I will discipline you if you do not cease this behavior immediately, as it is quite absurd.’ ‘In truth, this approach has been beneficial. She engages in such behavior less frequently now.’
It remains unclear whether Clarkson’s perspective on corporal punishment has evolved in recent years. Clarkson has two children with her former spouse Brandon Blackstock: an eight-year-old daughter named River Rose and a six-year-old son named Remington Alexander.
She frequently discusses parenting openly and has shared her experiences with the feelings of ‘mum guilt’ that she has faced. In an interview with Redbook in 2016, she expressed, ‘I experience a significant amount of mum guilt. As a mother, the desire to be with your child every day is strong.
You wish to be present for every moment, to feel needed and wanted by your child, rather than having them seek comfort from someone else.’
Clarkson further remarked, ‘I won’t sugarcoat it; it’s challenging. There are days when I find myself in tears, questioning whether I can manage everything or accomplish all my responsibilities.’
Ultimately, the overwhelming majority of the time, it is remarkable and worthwhile, which is a sentiment I often remind myself of. The celebrity also shared that motherhood has introduced fear into her life, as she was previously unafraid.
Now, she experiences nightmares about someone abducting her daughter, constantly worrying about her inability to safeguard her children.
