Culture April 21, 2021

Eva Mendes sparks parenting debate over Instagram post about not spanking children

WATCH: Eva Mendes responds to daughter calling her out over using her phone

Eva Mendes has raised her two children with Ryan Gosling mostly out of the limelight, but she recently revealed some parenting advice on Instagram.

The mom of two -- to daughters Esmeralda, 6, and Amada, 4 -- posted a photo with the words, "Spanking does for a child's development what hitting a spouse does for a marriage."

MORE: Eva Mendes steps back from social media after daughter calls her out over phone use

While some followers agreed with Mendes' post, speaking of the "fear" and "shame" that their parents' spanking provoked in them, there were others who didn't -- and that was fine with the "Lost River" actress.

One offered, "I was spanked and now I'm a respectful adult. And believe me, I deserved those whoopings. I was a brat."

Mendes replied politely, "Thank you for your comment. So happy to agree to disagree. Want this page to offer that in a loving way."

MORE: Eva Mendes says she'd 'rather be home' with beau Ryan Gosling than 'anywhere else in the world'

"We all parent our own way and I have no idea what I’m doing most the time," she continued. "This didn’t come with a manual so when there’s something that resonates with me, I pass it on. Lotsa love."

The post, which also showed Mendes' favorite red carpet dress, a stunning beige Versace number, has received more than 70,000 likes as of this article being published.