Greensboro, NC - The death of a seven-year-old girl in California has raised questions about where discipline crosses the line and becomes child abuse.
Four years ago, a California couple did something so noble, they were featured on television. The story focused on their adoption of three children from Liberia.
However, three years later, those parents were in the spotlight again. One of those kids, just seven years old, died from a spanking.
Kevin Schatz pleaded guilty to first degree murder and torture. His wife, Elizabeth Schatz, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors said the couple used quarter-inch plastic tubing to beat their daughter, taking the old proverb "spare the rod, spoil the child" literally.
Kevin Schatz told investigators he was following the advice of a couple who promote spanking to train children. Their website for "No Greater Love Ministries" details how to spank a child and where. It recommends plumber's supply line as an ideal spanking instrument.
News 2 spoke with an expert at the Children's Advocacy Center, part of Family Services of the Piedmont, to give parents a better idea of how to discipline their kids, safely.
According to Susan Vaughn, discipline is part of good parenting. However, parents need to keep in mind discipline is not meant to hurt a child, it's meant to teach them.
Vaughn said never hit a child because you're angry.
"Sometimes a child has got you to the end of your rope and you're just arrgghh. Count to ten, take a break and then come back and discipline," she said.
Vaughn said parents also have to explain to their children why they're being disciplined. They have to be old enough to understand why they're in trouble.
If spanking is your method of discipline, Vaughn said never hit to the point you're leaving marks or hurting yourself. And it is best to use your hand.
"If you hit your child with your hand, then your hand is going to get the brunt of that impact and that will give another reminder to your brain, wait a minute, I think we've had enough," said Vaughn.
Discipline also has to be age appropriate. Vaughn said at a certain age, words and taking away privileges can be more effective than spanking.
"When a child eventually grows up to be an adult, and they have to start listening to their boss and following their boss's rules, if they break a rule for their boss, their boss isn't going to hit them," she said.
Vaughn said no matter what form of discipline you use, it has to be consistent, so your child knows when their behavior is O.K. and when it's not.
Vaughn said it's important to remember, if you have to ask yourself if you've gone too far, you probably already have.
Vaughn also parents shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Ask other parents or friends about their disciplinary methods and tailor them to your own children.
You can also call the Children's Advocacy Center with questions. Dial 387-6161 and ask for the Children's Advocacy Center.