[vivant]

I don't hit my kids. I don't hit my pets, parents, friends, or anyone else for that matter. It's just not my nature, nor something I want to condone. Power and might do not make right in my miniworld. Maybe I'm fortunate in that my kids are pretty mild and relatively easy-going, so that a situation has never (yet?) arisen in that I felt spanking was an appropriate way to handle it. Or react to it.

That said, I find it equally disturbing that other forms of manipulation are employed as a means to get children to "obey," namely methods advocated by The Nanny et al. Bribes, rewards, et cetera are no better IMO. YMMV.

I share her support for a return to family, including more family meals because I think a sense of responsibility to family is key in getting family members to cooperate and co-exist harmoniously. Normal personality quirks and occasional outbursts aside.