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

3:06
Eva Mendes responds to daughter calling her out over using her phone
Donato Sardella/Getty Images, FILE
ByStephen Iervolino
April 21, 2021, 2:48 PM

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."

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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."

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"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.

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