Definition
This idiom suggests that if children are not punished for their misbehavior, they will not learn to distinguish right from wrong.
Despite modern approaches to parenting, the idea that 'spare the rod and spoil the child' still persists in some cultures.
She believes that sometimes you have to be strict with children because 'spare the rod and spoil the child'.
The grandfather always said 'spare the rod and spoil the child,' but he actually adored his grandchildren.