[Stormieweather]

Don't all parents spank selectively? "I only spank them when they need it", or "I only spank them when they're really bad", or "I only spank them when they piss me off".

I think children learn MORE from what they observe than what they're told, particularly if the two contradict each other. Lying is wrong! Tell that bill collecter I'm not home~ Don't hit your little brother! *smack*.

What do kids do that is so terrible that they deserve to be hit for it? Would I accept it if someone hit ME to teach me something? So what makes it ok to hit someone smaller and more defenseless than I am? I am supposed to be my children's safe haven, their protector, not someone who physically HURTS them.

Personally, I think spanking or whatever cute euphemism you'd like to use for it, is often used because it's easier. Talking to your kids, teaching them by example and being consistantly vigilent in parenting is hard work. It's so much easier to just hit 'em, make 'em sorry right NOW, and get on with whatever you were doing.

Stormie