I believe that the only time it's appropriate to spank a child is when he or she is being defiant - and then, one swift swat on the butt or hand. Granted, it's Pavlovian (do this: bad; don't do this: good), but I have yet to encounter a child (mine or others) who's not defiant at one point or another. It's by design, and they do it to determine their boundaries, which (ironically) affords them a sense of security.

Sam

Spanking is not a good idea. Infact physical punishment is really a bad thing that parents tries with their children. we can care children with the soft words and should be treated mentally instead of physically.

I believe in spanking on occasion. It's not something to be used for every offense or without warning, but in my house, there will be room for corporal punishment when necessary.

I believe in spanking but I don't spank for minor offenses, or first time offenses. But if it is repeated offenses, I usually would spank only on the bottom or hand with my bare hands. I don't use sticks or whatsoever.

I do see the point people that are pro spanking rises and I did get spanked when I was a child. However for myself, I think I would be to scared knowing the line between spanking and beating.

I work in child care so I know it is possible to discipline children without spanking. I hope I will be able to do that with my own too.

Originally Posted by Cymru Am Byth

My friend told me when her kids were little, she always spanked them when they misbehaved - I guess because that's the way she was raised. Her oldest, now 16, just told her that her spankings used to give her nightmares. Now she has second thoughts about spanking. Is there another way to discipline?

I am very strongly against spanking. It sends a message that striking another person is the way to make a point. I haven't spanked my daughter and she's totally delightful.

I tried not to spank my kids. But yes there were a few times that I spanked them on the but. But to me there is a big difference between spanking a child and beating.

Originally Posted by riskey58

I tried not to spank my kids. But yes there were a few times that I spanked them on the but. But to me there is a big difference between spanking a child and beating.

Yes, absolutely... a huge difference. A swat or two on the backside (although I wouldn't do it and am very against it) is very different from someone who does one whack after another and thinks that's "spanking"... it's not. To keep striking more than a time or two is NOT "spanking" any longer, according to my definition.

When I grew up yes there were a few times that I got spanked on the bottom. And I am not the worse for it. There are so many other ways to punish your child. But a small pat on the behind is not going to hurt,. Just don't make it an everyday thing.

Do you agree with spanking your child when naughty?
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I've already discuss this topic with my friends long ago and I am in favor of spanking children when they misbehaved. But before resorting to spanking, I'll do my best first to resolve the issue and correct the child in the peaceful way.

My parents used to spank me and my brother every time we committed a major mistake and I never hold a grudge towards my parents coz I put into my mind that I'm being spanked coz I did something wrong. I gave spanking a positive meaning and told myself that I'm being spanked coz my parents loved me so much and they don't want me to become bad by just tolerating my bad behaviors. And I think the spanking has positive effect coz we (my brother and me) turned out to good citizens,

I have friends who don't get spanking from their parents and they turned into spoiled brats and they even fight and throw bad words to their parents, I also observed that most children who don't get spanking from parents are really spoiled brats and they just shout and name their parents names,