Dear Richard,

Recently, Chick-fil-A restaurant chain has been in the news for its strong support of marriages and I thought you would like to thank them for their commitment to family-friendly values.

Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy built a large restaurant chain on his "personal and business philosophy based on biblical principles."

Chick-fil-A is known for the exclusively Christian music that is played in its restaurants as well as being one of the few national businesses to close on Sunday, with no exceptions. Cathy also reflects his Christian faith philanthropically.

Mr. Cathy used his business success to first start a scholarship program, and later a retreat center both of which go by the name "WinShape" to reflect their goal of shaping/winning students, business people, and traditional marriages.

Chick-fil-A's stated corporate purpose is:
To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us.
To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
The principles that Chick-fil-A is built on are obviously a strong foundation as the chain consists of over 1,500 locations in 39 states as well as Washington, D.C.

Take Action

Send an email to Chick-fil-A chairman and founder Truett Cathy. Let him know you appreciate his Christian company, and his stand for family values.
Sincerely,

Tim Wildmon, President
American Family Association

Castle; 772-465-6011

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24/7 National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000

The Internet can sometimes be a dangerous place for young people.

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www.yourvoice.org.

Spanking children has fallen out of favor for many parents.GRAND RAPIDS -- While timeouts and other disciplinary methods work for some parents and is encouraged by some child psychologists, a Calvin College psychology professor says her research shows corporal punishment forms more well-adjusted people later in life.

Marjorie GunnoeMarjorie Gunnoe says the study finds children who remember being spanked on the backside with an open hand do better in school, perform more volunteer work and are more optimistic than others who were not physically disciplined.

"This in no way should be thought of as a green light for spanking," said Gunnoe, who has studied spanking for more than a decade.

Her research contradicts claims spanked children are more aggressive and have other detrimental consequences.

The practice should be considered when lawmakers across the county consider banning spanking, Gunnoe said, noting 24 countries have barred the punishment.

"This is a red light for people who want to legally limit how parents choose to discipline their children," she said. "I don't promote spanking, but there's not the evidence to outlaw it."

Gunnoe presented her findings at a conference of the Society for Research in Child Development.

The research, now attracting international attention, shows the punishment is most effective on children between the ages of 2 and 6, Gunnoe found. The study did not consider the frequency or severity of the discipline.

The data are swipes at the norm and Gabe Griffin, of Pediatric Psychologists of West Michigan, warns against embracing a new style of parenting.

"It can very easily cross over from a discipline in a calm, measured way to an out of control moment," Griffin said. "Parents always think its in a controlled manner, but clearly it's not.

"Obviously it's not going to harm every kid, but the potential is there and it isn't worth the risk."

A majority of adults were spanked, but cultural shifts have moved perceptions even among older adults, Griffin said.

He's counseled grandparents who spanked their children and no longer believe it's acceptable for their grandchildren.

Griffin advises parents to focus more on altering behavior through teaching and praise. Time-outs and taking away privileges often work, but focus too much on the bad action.

"Pay attention to them when they do it right," he said.

Gunnoe's research stunned Samantha Gross, a mother of three boys younger than 6 years old.

Gross, who was picking up her oldest son, 6-year-old James, from school Monday, admits she's spanked him with no immediate result.

The experience reminded Gross of her childhood and brought back painful memories.

She does not want to teach her children that violence of any sort is acceptable.

"It doesn't make any sense," Gross said. "What about the parents reason behind the spanking? How often did they do it and how hard?

"I see parents spank their kids for no reason and that can't be good for them."

E-mail Nate Reens: nreens@grpress.com

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