Kelly Clarkson has admitted that she will physically discipline her children if they misbehave.
The 40-year-old 'Since U Been Gone' singer revealed in an interview on Atlanta Radio station 94.1 in 2018 that she is "not above" spanking her kids.
"I'm not above a spanking, which people aren't necessarily into. I don't mean hitting her hard, I just mean a spanking," The Kelly Clarkson Show host explained.
Clarkson also said that she's not afraid of disciplining her daughter in public, stating: "That's a tricky thing when you're out in public because then people are like, they think that's wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking."
Clarkson shares two children with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock: daughter River Rose, eight, and son Remington Alexander, six.
On the same radio show, the American Idol winner disclosed that growing up, her parents spanked her and that despite it all, she's still a "well-rounded individual with a lot of character".
"My parents spanked me and I did fine in life. I'm from the south y'all so like, we get spankings," she said, adding, "My mom would call the principal if I ever ended up in the principal's office and give permission for her to spank me."
In addition to this, the musician also said that she warns her daughter before disciplining her and believes it has been an effective deterrent.
"I'm like, 'Hi, I'm going to spank you on your bottom if you don't stop right now, this is ridiculous,' and honestly it's really helped," she said, adding: "She doesn't do that kind of stuff as often."
However, Clarkson is aware that her parenting approach is not popular with everyone. Speaking to 98.9 The Buzz radio station, she said: "The tricky thing is when you're out in public and people think that's wrong or something. I find nothing wrong with a spanking."
The tough approach is a highly controversial topic among parents. According to a Gallup poll published in 2016, 60 percent of parents support spanking, however, many organizations advise against it.
For example, The American Academy of Pediatrics expressed that parents should not "spank or use other physical punishments" when they discipline their children.
"Instead of teaching responsibility and self-control, spanking often increases aggression and anger in children," the AAP wrote in a statement.
They explained that it may affect "the parent-child relationship" because it teaches children that "causing someone pain is okay, [even] if you're frustrated with those you love".
For discipline, the organization suggests "appropriate time outs" for young children and punishing older children by "temporarily removing privileges" they like.
Nevertheless, spanking is a divisive topic.
