Kelly Clarkson, the beloved American singer-songwriter, renowned for hits such as ‘Because Of You’ and ‘Since U Been Gone,’ recently found herself amidst a storm of public opinion following her comments on parenting.
The pop star candidly shared her views on discipline, revealing that she isn’t opposed to spanking her children when they misbehave. This statement has stirred quite a debate among her fans and the general public.
Clarkson, who has sold millions of albums and is recognized as one of pop music’s leading voices, is experiencing a polarizing backlash over her remarks. After expressing that she is “not above spanking” her children, many individuals took to social media platforms to voice their reactions.
One individual tweeted their dismay, stating, “Kelly Clarkson should’ve been canceled when she proudly admitted to spanking her kids. I for one deleted all her music from my library when she said that.”
Others have shared personal experiences and opinions, reflecting on their childhoods and the impact of such disciplinary actions. A user commented, “I was spanked as a kid and it was traumatizing. I don’t even remember what I did wrong; I only remember being terrified.”
However, not everyone condemns Clarkson’s approach. A number of fans have expressed support, suggesting that spanking can be a cultural norm. One defender wrote, “There’s nothing wrong with that! It’s a way of giving discipline to kids in my culture.”
The singer, who first rose to stardom as the winner of the original American Idol, is a mother to two children with her former husband, talent manager Brandon Blackstock. The couple shares daughter River Rose, born in 2014, and son Remington ‘Remy’ Alexander, born in 2016.
Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship began in 2006, blossoming into romance by 2012. They got engaged that year and tied the knot in 2013. However, after nearly seven years of marriage, the couple filed for divorce in 2020, citing ‘irreconcilable differences.’
Their divorce proceedings were marked by complex legal battles over spousal support, child custody, and Clarkson’s Montana ranch. Reports indicate that the divorce was finalized in 2022 with a settlement requiring Clarkson to make ongoing financial payments to Blackstock.
Despite these personal challenges, Clarkson prioritizes her career and her children. She frequently shares her experiences as a mother, including the emotional rollercoaster it can be.
In a heartfelt interview with Redbook in 2016, Clarkson spoke about the guilt many working mothers feel. “I have a lot of mom guilt. I was just talking about this… If you’re a mom, you want to be with your kid every day. You don’t want to miss a moment,” she confided.
However, her candidness on discipline has also attracted scrutiny. During a conversation on Atlanta’s 94.1 radio in 2018, Clarkson reiterated her stance on spanking, saying, “I’m not above a spanking, which people aren’t necessarily into. I don’t mean hitting her hard. I just mean a spanking.”
She attributed her approach to her upbringing, explaining that being spanked as a child taught her lessons she values today. Nonetheless, the topic remains highly controversial, as many experts and institutions advocate against corporal punishment.
For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against using spanking as a disciplinary method. Their stance emphasizes that such practices can lead to increased aggression in children and negatively impact their development.
Ultimately, Kelly Clarkson’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation about parenting styles and the diverse beliefs people hold regarding discipline. While she continues to navigate her personal and professional life, her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue around parenting in today’s society.
