Charles Barkley Encourages Modern Parents to Start ‘Spanking’ Their Kids
Charles Barkley did not hold himself back when he went on a rant about how parents raise their children these days.
Charles Barkley does not like the premise of the NBA Cup (Image via FirstSportz)
- Charles Barkley advocates for spanking as a form of discipline for children.
- He believes lack of discipline contributes to disrespectful behavior in today's youth.
- Barkley's comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media regarding modern parenting.
Former NBA MVP and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley never shies away from speaking his mind about matters outside of basketball. Known for being old school, Barkley often has issues with the current generations and how the world is today. ‘The Chuckster’ was in the spotlight once again for his controversial statements.
On his recent appearance on the Dan Patrick show, Barkley stirred debate on modern-day parenting.
People talking about you can’t yell at your kids. Yes, you can yell at your kids. That’s why these kids are crazy. I’m not going around telling people to beat their kids, but I think if you don’t spank your kids and discipline them, they turn into some of these brats that we got today. I’m not here for child abuse, but how are kids gonna know they’re doing something wrong? You can blast me on social media. You guys know I don’t do social media. I don’t ever read any comments. I don’t care what you think.
Charles Barkley on the Dan Patrick Show
Charles Barkley says he believes in spanking kids
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 25, 2026
“People talking about you can’t yell at your kids. Yes, hell you can yell at your kids. You’ll whoop their ass too … That’s why these kids are crazy. I’m not going around telling people to beat their kids, but I think if you… pic.twitter.com/cU2ADHz7F9
Recently, Charles Barkley landed himself in hot water when he defended Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo‘s strict coaching methods and said parents and friends need to be better. It is one of the many instances where Barkley called out the younger generation for being too soft.
Known for not sparing anyone, he even took shots at his previous employers, TNT, and even at his present employers, ESPN, over scheduling conflicts. Barkley was a part of the commentary crew alongside the legendary Dick Vitale and Brian Anderson for the NCAA Tournament last week and will continue to feature on the Inside the NBA show.
The internet reacts to Charles Barkley’s controversial statements on parenting
Charles Barkley has one daughter with his wife, Maureen Blumhardt. While Barkley said he was not supporting child abuse, he believes there should be a level of discipline instilled in children.
His comments were quick to catch fire across social media as people took to the internet to express their views.
Not sure why this is controversial. Lack of discipline is why each generation gets more and more disrespectful.
— Brownie (@Brownie545) March 25, 2026
Nah he’s dead right. Raising kids without punishing them is how we got a current society full of entitled brats
— Sum Yung Guy (@nostressfinance) March 25, 2026
“Kids dumber then rocks” says the guy who threw the dude through the window in the bar 😂
— TheMan (@user1837577) March 25, 2026
Chuck's 100% right—kids today are soft brats because nobody spanks them anymore. That's why we need to stop hitting children immediately.
— mrpurpose (@mrpurpose0) March 25, 2026
The only way to raise tough, respectful adults is by never laying a hand on them. Spare the rod, spoil the child… by actually sparing the…
Charles : pic.twitter.com/GYVZUpY2a8
— The Watcher (@MrSportsWatcher) March 25, 2026
Me too so we get those men straight up !!! Now they are lost in their lust and doing weird things with children and animals and what not ; they need a strong , healthy family set up.
— Louisiana Eu (@LouisianaE73024) March 25, 2026
Damn !
— Perp (@NPerps) March 25, 2026
In my opinion, kids deserve to know they’re doing things wrongly. And sometimes being gentle doesn’t send the message to them.
Also, too much of yelling and whooping is bad.
You do not need to spank kids lol. Accountability matters though. Kids do not need everything their parents didn’t have growing up. Parents throwing money at the problem doesn’t help.
— Locker Room Vs Executive Suite Podcast (@LockervExecPod) March 25, 2026
The reactions on social media are mixed. However, Barkley was clear that he is not active on social media and will be unbothered by what people have to say.
Charles Barkley did not want to join the Houston Rockets
Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number five pick in the 1984 NBA draft, Charles Barkley spent eight seasons with the 76ers before getting traded to the Phoenix Suns. He spent four seasons with the Suns. In his first season with the Suns, he won the MVP award and took them to the NBA Finals.
While he felt at home in Arizona, Barkley was traded to the Houston Rockets. The trade shocked Chuck himself.

When Barkley reflected on the trade during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Barkley said the move took him by surprise.
I wish the Suns would have never traded me to Houston. I called the Suns and said, ‘You guys thinking about trading me?’ They’re like, ‘No! Where’d you hear that rumor?’ Two days later, the Rockets called me back, I said, ‘They’re not gonna trade me, I’m the only player they got.’ They said, ‘Charles? If we trade for you, are you going to hold out?’ Five days later, I’m packing up, going to Houston. I wanted to finish my career in Phoenix. All I wanted was a chance to win. My last two years I sucked as a player but I was done.
Charles Barkley on his move to the Houston Rockets
"I wish the Suns had never traded me to Houston – that caught me off guard."
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 23, 2026
– Charles Barkley on his final years in the NBA with the Houston #Rockets. pic.twitter.com/6jo9crp3Nn
Unfortunately for Barkley, he struggled with injuries during his two-year spell with the Rockets. He ended his career with no rings, but it is something that he does not regret when he reflects back on his career.
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