Presidential Parenting 2016: Is Ted Cruz A Bad Parent? Republican Nominee Criticized Over ‘Spanking’ Comments, Public Shaming Of Minor Protester

Republican nominee Ted Cruz is currently making headlines not because of his verbal assaults to Donald Trump or because of his platforms. Cruz is in the news because of his parenting skills.

The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election is fast approaching but presidential candidate Ted Cruz is facing the ire of many constituents. In fact, his parenting advice about spanking at a rally in Indiana over the weekend causes a stir.

Ted Cruz's Young Protester

At the rally in La Porte, Indiana, Ted Cruz was discussing his tax plan before the state's all-important Tuesday primary. However, the 45-year-old politician was taken by surprise when his speech was interrupted by a minor protestor, Think Progress notes.

"You suck," the boy, who was about 9 or 10 years old, shouted out.

Ted Cruz's Parenting Advice

Ted Cruz has been notorious about spanking his daughters when they misbehaved. Cruz has also suggested the Americans to deliver a "spanking" to another presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, USA Today reveals.

When he was interrupted by a young boy during his speech over the weekend, Ted Cruz also gave the same parenting advice, not to mention he publicly shamed the minor heckler. However, did Cruz know that a recent research showed spanking is bad for children?

"Apparently there's a young man who's having some problems," Cruz said, as per Daily Mail. "Thank you son, I appreciate you sharing your views. You know, hopefully one of the things somebody has told you is that children should actually speak with respect.'

"Imagine what a different world it would be if someone told Donald Trump that years ago," the Texas senator added. "In my household, when a child behaved that way, they'd get a spanking."

Social Media Backlash

Unfortunately, Ted Cruz's spanking comments were criticized, especially those who advocate that spanking or any corporal punishment is unhealthy for young children. According to The Blaze, several journalists took to social media to mock Cruz. (See some of their tweets below.)

This is bad parenting, FYI https://t.co/Mc6eDjVT7Q https://t.co/M87KZyABiK

— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) May 2, 2016

Ted Cruz may want to review the research on spanking children before advocating for it: https://t.co/mWtwsBjHDw pic.twitter.com/T9rjBmDU0k — New York Magazine (@NYMag) May 2, 2016

Cruz has a real thing for spanking kids. https://t.co/SHImXp41Ez

— Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) May 2, 2016

Presidential candidate and child spanking enthusiast Ted Cruz... — Erin Gloria Ryan (@morninggloria) May 2, 2016

The Effects Of Spanking To Children

Many viewed spanking as a corporal punishment that can help teach children about respect and obedience but it can lead to long-term mental health and behavioral issues. Based on the study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, children who are spanked have potential tendencies to defy their parents, to behave anti-socially and experience increased aggression, mental health problems and cognitive difficulties.

Ted Cruz's Parenting Skills And Becoming A President

Meanwhile, parenting experts said that no one can make a judgment about someone's parenting based on a carefully choreographed televised campaign of Ted Cruz or Donald Trump and other politicians. Being a good parent also does not ensure the candidate to have effective leadership skills or become the best president.

So, will Ted Cruz bring a lot spanking at the White House once he becomes the president of the United States? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.