Kelly Clarkson Admits Smacking Her Children Can Be ‘Tricky’ in Public: “I’m Not Above It”

The topic of physically disciplining children continues to divide opinion among parents around the world. But for singer and television host Kelly Clarkson, the matter isn’t up for debate—she’s been clear about where she stands.

Speaking candidly during an interview with Atlanta’s 94.1 radio station back in 2018, the American Idol winner revealed that she occasionally spanks her children and isn’t ashamed to admit it. “I’m not above a spanking,” she said. “Which people aren’t necessarily into. I don’t mean hitting her hard—I just mean a spanking.”

Clarkson explained that although she was spanked by her own parents growing up and feels she turned out fine, she’s well aware that the practice is controversial, especially when done in public. “That’s a tricky thing,” she continued, “because then people are like, they think that’s wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking.”

However, Clarkson also emphasized that her approach to discipline isn’t impulsive or harsh. She gives her children fair warning. “I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m going to spank you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now—this is ridiculous,’” she said. According to Clarkson, the method has proven effective, adding, “Honestly it’s really helped. She doesn’t do that kind of stuff as often.”

While it’s unclear if her views have evolved in recent years, Clarkson has always been open about the challenges of parenting. She shares two children—daughter River Rose, now eight, and son Remington Alexander, now six—with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Clarkson has also spoken out about the emotional struggles that come with being a working mother. In a 2016 interview with Redbook, she said, “I have a lot of mum guilt. If you’re a mum, you want to be with your kid every day. You don’t want to miss a moment. You want her to need you and want you—not somebody else.”

She admitted that balancing career and family isn’t easy. “There are days where I cry and I’m like, ‘I don’t know if I can handle all this!’” she said. “But at the end of the day, 99 percent of the time, it’s awesome and it’s worth it.”

Clarkson also revealed that motherhood brought with it a deep sense of vulnerability. “Before I had kids, I was completely fearless,” she shared. “Now I go to bed and I have nightmares of someone just grabbing my little girl and running. It’s always about me not being able to protect my kids somehow.”