A Northern Territorian father has lost his five year old daughter and been fined $1,000 for disciplining her with a belt. She has been placed into inter-state foster care, despite the court hearing that they had a “wonderful relationship”. Well I’m sure she’ll thrive being a ward of the state, away from her Dad wondering just why he doesn’t love her any more. Brilliant work guys, just brilliant.

Magistrate Greg Cavanagh said that the assault on the girl was “outrageous”.

“The trust that is given to adults and to fathers to bring up and nurture their young babies is a very precious thing indeed – the most precious responsibility and trust you’ll ever have,” he said.

“You have abused that trust and you have abused your love of her by giving her a beating.”

Yes, you heard correctly. Smacking your child with a belt four times is a beating. We don’t know the specifics of the belting, but there has been no mention of excessive force or injury being inflicted on the poor little girl. But magistrate Cavanagh wasn’t finished there.

“In this modern age, physical punishment of children is seen to be barbaric,” he said.

“I’ll bet you she screamed and cried when you did this to her.”

You bet she screamed and cried, just like I did when I got a smack. Generally as a last resort and after much reasoning and intelligent conversation. Because five year olds do reason fairly and justly, and always follow direction. I’m right, aren’t I?

I never understand those who look in from the outside and judge others. I would agree that smacking your child around (or your spouse or anyone) is not on. Violence in the home is never welcome and should be dealt with promptly and with full force. But when did the right to discipline children with a smack with a belt get taken away? I don’t remember signing up for that.

Some wacko commented today on the couriermail.com.au website that a belt was a “Criminal Weapon.” The last time I heard of a belt used as a weapon was by Michael Hutchence, and that was on himself in a Sydney hotel room.

Too soon?

As long as there are no other issues surrounding this case (and who knows, it’s not like the media to just gloss over a few chunks of data that they aren’t interested in, is it?) then there needs be serious reconsideration of whether foster care is the right route to take. It’s seems a tough road to send a child on.

Do you think I’m nuts? Actually agree with what I’m saying for a change? Why hide away anonymously reading when you can actually TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. Leave your comments – I do read them and often respond.

Plus sitting on the fence will leave you with splinters.- Nicholas

I’ve been reading Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion. And no, I don’t make no money from that link. The book has really opened my eyes to the world. I come from a Christian background but have been a “non-believer” for a while now.

The God Delusion is taking me in another direction. It shows you the arguements that have been used throughout the ages to defend religion. It gives you thinks to think about while giving referenced facts balanced against the opinion of an emminent Atheist.

It’s Christian-view focus worked well for me due to my background. My wife has said previously it helped her see that she wasn’t alone in the world view. It certainly opened my eyes. Wide open.