Origin
It was first written in a poem by Samuel Butler in 1664.
Explanation
This phrase is a modern-day proverb that means if a parent refuses to discipline an unruly child, that child will grow accustomed to getting his own way. He will become, in the common vernacular, a spoiled brat. Whoever spares the rod hates his children, but the one who loves his children is careful to discipline them. You should punish a child when he or she misbehaves, because if you do not, the child will grow up expecting everyone to indulge him or her.Discipline is necessary for good upbringing. To “spare the rod” is indicative of a parent who does not discipline his/her child, that is, to teach, guide, and direct. This is the parent who “hates their child.” To spare the rod doesn’t mean a parent should beat down his/her children into submission; rather, he is to be like a shepherd who values and cares for his sheep and keep them from danger. By using the tools of good parenting, a parent should teach responsible behaviour and appropriate morality.
Example
Jane : How can you allow your little boy to be so rude?
Ellen : It distresses me to punish him.
Jane : I understand that, but spare the rod and spoil the child.
Shopping Cart
