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Kelly Clarkson Weighed In On Spanking, And Kicked Off A Huge Debate

Kelly Clarkson / Instagram

As if raising your kids wasn't enough, celebrities have to look after their children and make the right choices in front of all their fans.

That can lead to a lot of mommy-shaming over some pretty innocent choices, and some stars have taken to social media asking their fans to think before they criticize other moms online.

Pink was criticized by other parents after sharing a photo of herself cooking with her children.Pink / Instagram

But Kelly Clarkson really kicked the hornet's nest this week when she weighed in on one of parenting's most controversial subjects: spanking.

In the past, the "Since You've Been Gone" singer has taken flack from her social media followers for just about everything. Even feeding her daughter River Rose a Nutella sandwich drew accusations of "child abuse" from angry moms.

Clarkson doesn't mince words about spanking in her new interview.Kelly Clarkson / Facebook

But spanking is one of America's biggest hot button topics. While many parents still swear by spanking to get rowdy kids in line, studies have demonstrated that it's not effective, and can even permanently increase a child's anti-social tendencies.

In a new interview with Radio.com, Clarkson reveals she's definitely pro-spanking, and her comments about disciplining her children have everyone talking.

Clarkson doesn't mince words in her new interview, saying that she finds "nothing wrong with a spanking," and even spanks her three-year-old daughter River Rose in public.

Clarkson isn't afraid to spank her daughter, River Rose, in public. Celebrity Babies

"I'm not above a spanking, which people aren't necessarily into and I don't mean like hitting her hard, I just mean a spanking," Clarkson said. "My parents spanked me and I did fine in life and I feel fine about it. But I do that as well too."

The singer says that her toddler has been having a lot of public meltdowns lately, and that she relies on spanking to keep her in line. But Clarkson says her daughter knows what she's getting into.

"I warn her, I'm like, 'Hi, I'm going to spank you on your bottom if you don't stop right now. Like, this is ridiculous.'"

But despite her strong convictions, Clarkson admits it can be tough spanking kids in public, considering how much it has fallen out of favor in the last few decades.

Clarkson with her mother and her daughter.Kelly Clarkson / Instagram

"That's a tricky thing when you're out in public cause then people are like, you know, they think that's wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking."

"I'm from the South, y'all," she continues, "so like we get spankings. My mom would call the principal like if I ever ended up in the principal's office and give permission for her to spank me."

While Clarkson is facing backlash from parents who disagree with her parenting style, she says she learned long ago that not everyone will agree with her.

She says she chooses to live her life the way she thinks is right, despite what other people think or say about her.

This interview will definitely rub some parents the wrong way!

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