Kelly Clarkson has been a household name for decades, beloved for her powerhouse vocals, chart-topping hits, and down-to-earth personality. From winning the very first season of American Idol to selling millions of records worldwide, she has built an empire in the entertainment industry. But beyond the glitz and glamour of her music career, Clarkson has also been open about her personal life—especially when it comes to parenting.
Recently, the pop star stirred heated debate after revealing that she believes in spanking as a method of discipline for her children. The statement ignited a firestorm of reactions, with many criticizing her approach, while others defended it as a traditional parenting method.
The Public’s Strong Reaction to Clarkson’s Parenting Philosophy
During an interview, Clarkson admitted that she isn’t opposed to spanking when necessary, a confession that quickly made waves across social media. While some fans were shocked and disheartened, others rallied behind her, arguing that discipline is a personal choice for parents.
Critics were quick to express their outrage, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disapproval.
“Kelly Clarkson should have been canceled the moment she admitted she spanks her kids. I deleted all of her music from my library when I heard that,” one user wrote.
Another chimed in, sharing their personal experience: “I was spanked as a child, and I don’t even remember what I did wrong. I just remember being terrified. No child should feel that way.”
A third user strongly opposed Clarkson’s stance, arguing: “You can’t hit your child and then expect them to learn that hitting others is wrong. That’s not how discipline works.”
Some users, however, defended Clarkson, insisting that spanking was a part of their upbringing and that they saw no harm in it.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with disciplining your children this way. It’s a cultural thing in many households,” one person commented.
Another supporter wrote: “I stole candy as a kid, got spanked for it, and never did it again. It taught me a lesson.”
Clarkson’s Perspective: Discipline Rooted in Her Own Childhood
Clarkson, a mother of two, shares her children, River Rose (born in 2014) and Remington “Remy” Alexander (born in 2016), with her ex-husband, talent manager Brandon Blackstock.
In multiple interviews, she has spoken openly about the struggles and triumphs of parenting, admitting that balancing her career and motherhood can be overwhelming. She has also discussed how her own childhood shaped her parenting style.
During a 2018 radio interview, Clarkson defended her stance on spanking, stating:
“I’m not above a spanking, which some people don’t agree with. But I don’t mean hitting my child hard—I mean a light spanking when necessary.”
She went on to explain that this was how she was raised, and she feels it did not negatively impact her life.
“My parents spanked me, and I turned out fine. I don’t have any resentment over it, and I think it helped shape who I am today.”
However, Clarkson also acknowledged the difficulty of disciplining children in today’s world, especially in public settings where judgment is immediate.
“It’s tricky when you’re out in public, because people act like it’s completely wrong. But for me, there’s nothing harmful about a spanking when it’s done responsibly.”
The Warning Before the Punishment
Clarkson also clarified that spanking isn’t something she does impulsively. Instead, she uses it as a last resort and always warns her children before taking action.
“I don’t just spank them right away. I always give them a warning. I’ll say, ‘If you don’t stop what you’re doing, you’re going to get a spanking.’ And honestly, it works. My kids don’t act out as much because they know there are consequences.”
She insists that she does not believe in extreme punishments or physically hurting her children but rather sees spanking as a structured form of discipline meant to correct behavior.
Her Personal Life: Balancing Parenting and Stardom
While Clarkson has been making headlines for her parenting beliefs, she has also had a turbulent few years in her personal life.
After nearly seven years of marriage, she and Blackstock finalized their divorce in 2022 following a prolonged legal battle over spousal support, child custody, and financial settlements. The singer ultimately agreed to pay her ex-husband a one-time lump sum of over $1.3 million, along with monthly payments for spousal and child support.
Despite the challenges of her highly publicized divorce, Clarkson has remained dedicated to raising her children and focusing on her career.
She has spoken candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of being a single mother while managing a successful music and television career. In a 2016 interview, she admitted to experiencing “mom guilt” due to her demanding schedule.
“There are days when I just break down crying because I feel like I can’t do it all. It’s hard. But 99 percent of the time, I remind myself how lucky I am to have these amazing kids, and it makes it all worth it.”
The Debate Over Spanking: What Experts Say
Clarkson’s remarks have reignited the longstanding debate over corporal punishment in parenting. While some believe spanking is an effective way to discipline children, others argue that it does more harm than good.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long been vocal about its stance on the issue, condemning spanking as an outdated and potentially harmful method of discipline.
According to the AAP:
“Corporal punishment increases aggression in young children in the long run and is ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control. Research also suggests it may negatively impact brain development and emotional well-being.”
Additionally, experts argue that verbal punishment, including yelling, shaming, or humiliation, can have equally damaging effects on a child’s mental health.
Clarkson Stands Firm Despite Criticism
Despite the backlash, Clarkson has remained steadfast in her beliefs, showing no signs of backing down. She acknowledges that parenting is a deeply personal journey and that different methods work for different families.
While she respects that not everyone agrees with spanking, she insists that every parent should be allowed to raise their children in a way that aligns with their values, as long as it is done with love and care.
As a mother, artist, and public figure, Clarkson continues to navigate the challenges of raising children while living in the spotlight. Whether people agree with her parenting style or not, one thing is clear—she is unapologetically herself and committed to doing what she believes is best for her kids.