Family
What Two Decades of Research Reveals About How Young Parents Discipline Today
Faith Facts
- Nearly 20% of millennial and Gen Z parents in Canada report using spanking as a form of discipline, despite declining overall support for the practice.
- A Christian ministry is calling on parents to exercise wisdom and caution when considering physical discipline methods.
- The study reveals generational shifts in parenting approaches, with younger parents less likely than previous generations to view spanking as necessary.
A new study examining parenting practices across generations has found that approximately one in five millennial and Gen Z parents in Canada acknowledge spanking their children, even as broader cultural attitudes toward corporal punishment continue to shift.
The research, which explored beliefs about whether spanking is ever a necessary component of child discipline, reveals a notable generational divide. While support for spanking has declined significantly compared to previous decades, a substantial minority of younger parents still employ the practice in their homes.
Christian parenting ministries are responding to these findings by urging families to carefully consider their disciplinary approaches through the lens of both biblical wisdom and modern understanding of child development. The conversation highlights the ongoing tension many faith-based families navigate between traditional discipline methods and contemporary parenting philosophies.
The study’s findings come at a time when parenting practices are under increased scrutiny, with both secular and religious communities debating the most effective and loving ways to guide children. For Christian families, the discussion often centers on properly interpreting biblical passages about discipline while ensuring children are raised in environments that foster both respect and emotional security.
While Scripture speaks to the importance of parental correction and guidance, Christian leaders emphasize that any form of discipline must be administered with love, self-control, and the child’s long-term spiritual and emotional wellbeing in mind. The research suggests that younger parents are increasingly seeking balanced approaches that honor both traditional values and the unique needs of each child.
The data indicates that cultural attitudes in Canada have evolved considerably, with the majority of millennial and Gen Z parents now rejecting spanking as their primary disciplinary tool. This shift reflects broader changes in how families across North America understand effective parenting and child development.
For Christian parents navigating these decisions, the emphasis remains on raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, using whatever disciplinary methods best serve that goal while treating children with the dignity they deserve as image-bearers of God.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Clyde and Gwen Antwine celebrated 70 years of marriage rooted in Christian service and missionary work across Europe and the United States.
- The couple met at a youth camp in Texas and built their relationship on shared faith, mission trips, and a commitment to mentoring young Christians.
- They helped establish a healthy church in Zurich, Switzerland, and continued to serve faithfully at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma.
The Antwines first met as teenagers at a two-week encampment at Abilene Christian University. Clyde was 15 years old and sold his FFA prize-winning steer for $40 to attend. That is where he first saw Gwen, then 14, and asked to take her picture.
He carried that photograph in his wallet for five years before they reunited at Abilene Christian during his sophomore year. They married six months later.
“The last day of camp, I worked up the courage to ask her if I could take her picture, and she posed. And I put that picture in my wallet. I didn’t even know her name. I just knew she was pretty.”
After Clyde graduated, the couple boarded a boat for Europe in 1959. They served seven years in Zurich, helping to strengthen a young congregation of the Church of Christ. Their work laid a foundation that still bears fruit today.
Later the Antwines served in the German cities of Augsburg and Munich. After nearly two decades overseas, they returned to the United States. Clyde became missionary in residence at Oklahoma Christian University while Gwen served as office manager for The Christian Chronicle.
“Gwen would get you laughing and see the positive side when things got tough, and Clyde, in his quiet voice, would somehow say the exact words you needed to hear to keep you spiritually grounded.”
Their legacy continues through the many students they mentored for mission work. The Antwines never sought recognition. Their only goal was to prepare others for Kingdom service.
Today, Clyde still carries that original photograph of Gwen from their teenage years. Their story stands as a clear testimony of enduring love, steadfast faith, and lifelong commitment to the Lord’s work.
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Faith Facts
- Ashley Flynn’s family states she “wanted her life to point people to Jesus.”
- She is remembered as a mother of two who “loved Jesus with her whole heart.”
- The case centers on the tragic loss of a Christian wife and mother whose testimony continues to inspire faith.
The family of the late Ashley Flynn is remembering the slain mother of two as someone who “loved Jesus with her whole heart” after her husband Caleb was found guilty of murdering her as the defendant’s family maintains his innocence.
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Faith Facts
- Christians across Puerto Rico are gathering for six days of prayer for families, churches and the island’s future.
- The island is a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean.
- The multi-day prayer initiative reflects a commitment to faith, family and national values.
Christians across Puerto Rico are gathering this week for six days of prayer for families, churches and the future of the island, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean.
Believers are uniting in churches and communities to seek God’s guidance and blessing over their households and the territory’s future.
Participants are lifting up concerns ranging from family stability and spiritual renewal to economic growth and cultural preservation.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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