As a child, did your parents ever slap you? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, spanking kids as a form of discipline is both damaging and ineffective. Some parents, though, still support it.

Kelly Clarkson, one of those parents, recently defended her decision in a radio appearance.

Kelly acknowledged having two kids, River Rose, 8, and Remy, 6, and claimed she “is not above spanking” as a method of discipline. She was clear, saying, “I don’t mean hitting her hard.”I’m merely going to lightly paddle you. Growing up, she saw nothing wrong with it because it was a part of her upbringing.

“My parents spanked me, I did fine in life and I feel fine about it.” Kelly, who grew up in Texas, said. “I’m from the South, y’all, so we get spankings. My mom would call the principal if I ever ended up in the principal’s office and give permission for her to spank me…I’m a well-rounded individual with a lot of character, so I think it’s fine.”

Clarkson was recently recognized as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in addition to being a gifted singer, songwriter, author, and TV personality.

The American Idol finalist confessed that her style of parenting divides people and that it is difficult for her to correct her children in front of others.

When you’re out in public, she explained, “that’s a tricky thing because then people are like-they think that’s wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking.” You might see me smacking my child at the zoo since I do believe in spanking.

However, she also informs her children in advance.

“I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m going to slap you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now, this is crazy,’ and, in all honesty, it’s really helped. She doesn’t do that sort of thing as frequently.

Do you concur with Kelly Clarkson’s methods for raising children? Do you think parents should be allowed to discipline their children however they see fit, or the other way around?