I always loved Binkley and his father’s relationship. A single father, utterly unprepared for the role of primary caregiver, with certain expectations of what his son would be like and doubly unprepared for the fact that his son is nothing like he expected. He invariably does what he thinks is right, and it usually blows up in his face. Still, he soldiers on, bound by his love for his only child and his own sense of duty to be the best father he can be. Dad is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative with no frame of reference for a sensitive, artistic, liberal such as Binkley. Yet you never for a moment doubt his devotion to or love for his son. I find it all very touching.
Hi, I would like to state I was once a kid. I know how kids think, they don’t. If my parents would have tried to sit me down and talk to me, I would have laffed to myself at how easy it was to get away with stuff. I’m sure the 3 year old that jumped in the gorilla area has never been spanked.
A single “thwak” – bare hand against bare butt – hardly constitutes “abuse”. That is what was used on me, that is what my husband and I used on our daughters…and none of us are fearful, bullying, or anything less than respectful.
Dr Laura Schlessinger observes that there are three types of men: those who learn from books, those who learn from the mistakes of others, and those who urinate on the electric fence. The utility/necessity of corporal punishment varies with the child.
Children have a very short attention span. A reasonable application of pain (a slap on the back of the hand for touching something dangerous or a smack to the butt for bad behavior) that is repeated as needed, works. Of course every child is different and the age that you can stop corporal punishment and start reasoning with them varies.
At first I wondered who Binkley Sr. is voting for but after a moment I realized to my horror that this question is irrelevant. He would have been spanked no matter which name he mentioned. I’m working with some kids now that I wish I could spank sometimes but unfortunately I cannot mainly because the lawyers in this country are way too powerful. I swat a kid once and I can look forward to having my wages garnished for the rest of my life.
Sherlock Watson over 8 years ago
’Nuff said.
bigcatbusiness over 8 years ago
No, parents are sometimes even worse than children. And many children simply copy many of the awful things adults do.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 8 years ago
I always loved Binkley and his father’s relationship. A single father, utterly unprepared for the role of primary caregiver, with certain expectations of what his son would be like and doubly unprepared for the fact that his son is nothing like he expected. He invariably does what he thinks is right, and it usually blows up in his face. Still, he soldiers on, bound by his love for his only child and his own sense of duty to be the best father he can be. Dad is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative with no frame of reference for a sensitive, artistic, liberal such as Binkley. Yet you never for a moment doubt his devotion to or love for his son. I find it all very touching.
Lyons Group, Inc. over 8 years ago
Both the Lyons and the Johnsons have a saying: “Always forgive, but never (ever) forget!”
NeedaChuckle Premium Member over 8 years ago
Hi, I would like to state I was once a kid. I know how kids think, they don’t. If my parents would have tried to sit me down and talk to me, I would have laffed to myself at how easy it was to get away with stuff. I’m sure the 3 year old that jumped in the gorilla area has never been spanked.
Wren Fahel over 8 years ago
A single “thwak” – bare hand against bare butt – hardly constitutes “abuse”. That is what was used on me, that is what my husband and I used on our daughters…and none of us are fearful, bullying, or anything less than respectful.
jbmlaw01 over 8 years ago
Dr Laura Schlessinger observes that there are three types of men: those who learn from books, those who learn from the mistakes of others, and those who urinate on the electric fence. The utility/necessity of corporal punishment varies with the child.
Ermine Notyours over 8 years ago
…And one to grow on.
Ozlander over 8 years ago
Man, all the comments are right on.
Lazzzarus over 8 years ago
Children have a very short attention span. A reasonable application of pain (a slap on the back of the hand for touching something dangerous or a smack to the butt for bad behavior) that is repeated as needed, works. Of course every child is different and the age that you can stop corporal punishment and start reasoning with them varies.
ChrisV over 8 years ago
Do you see what this election is doing to us, people? BTW, I totally agree with Dad’s comments in the third panel.
Urbane Gorilla over 8 years ago
Physical chastisement is momentary. The emotional guerilla tactics of some parents, while maybe being more politically correct are more damaging.
Godfreydaniel over 8 years ago
It’s always been an open question whether Trump belongs in prison next to Bernie Madoff or at Arkham Asylum next to the Joker………
Sisyphos over 8 years ago
Wuss candy. Candy-a$$-whomping….
kaystari Premium Member over 8 years ago
Getting sick of the PC crap.
Port&Hodge4ever over 8 years ago
At first I wondered who Binkley Sr. is voting for but after a moment I realized to my horror that this question is irrelevant. He would have been spanked no matter which name he mentioned. I’m working with some kids now that I wish I could spank sometimes but unfortunately I cannot mainly because the lawyers in this country are way too powerful. I swat a kid once and I can look forward to having my wages garnished for the rest of my life.
Poppawolf about 7 years ago
I was spanked a lot as a kid. I ended up running away because of it. Never ever hit a child.
Harlen Premium Member over 2 years ago
Dad doesn’t get it on a bare bottom like his son did!