To Spank or Not to Spank

I prefer to use gentle discipline techniques, unconditional parenting and playful parenting techniques (natural family living) and attachment parenting but I'm not perfect. I've on occasion spanked my children only with an open hand and rarely out of anger. I'll swat their hands away from something hot (bbq, stove, hot pot, ect) or something dangerous to them. Spanking should never be done with anger behind it, it's a fine line to cross when anger is involved. It can so easily turn into abuse. Spanking with an open hand without anger involved is not child abuse.

I definately believe in spanking - not all the time and not as the first choice of discipline. I believe, like the others that communication and other techniques should be used first - time outs, talking, toys taken away, etc., it's different for every child. However, when none of those things seem to work, then yes a nice swift spank on the bottom seems to get a point clear across. I agree with the others - spanking should never be done out of anger because you could totally end up spanking harder than you had meant to, and not only that, now you are teaching your child to hit out of anger which is not what spanking is used for. It's a tactic of discipline and to let your child know that his/her behavior is not accepted. Also, I believe spanking should only be done on the tush. It has worked for me as my two girls have not gone through the "terrible two" stages where tantrums and things were done in stores... no no.. I never wanted to have the child in the store that was screaming over toys and such. Some parents are afraid to discipline their own children and feel like they should just "ignore" them and let them cry it out. However, I don't feel like that really teaches the child anything except they can holler and be disobedient and loud with no real consequence. A spanking is necessary every now and then. And yes done in love, and yes make sure to hug your child afterwards (after explaining the reasoning, etc.) so they know you love them.

Before becoming a mother, I thought I was against spanking 100%...but now I've had to re-evaluate that theory. There re moments when a child needs their brains reconnect and it seems the only way to do this is a nice swat to to the button embedded within their bottoms. I have to say, this is a rare occurrence, and never the first...or second option. Time outs, loosing privileges, extra chores or responsibilities...these are all far more productive and effective than meeting every situation with corporal punishment.

Spanking with care is recommended. Yes you can spank but not to give physical harm. Some parents beat as if he/she is going to kill the child I would not recommend that. Spanking is good because the child will remember it always. But when you take away television right and put in a corner that is nothing of substance. So I prefer to spank a child.

I think spanking is a form of discipline that should be acceptable. Having said that, of course there should be a limit. I think a simple slap on the butt or the hand is fine, as long as it's not using heavy force. It will provide negative reinforcement for the child so they can associate a bad behavior with a punishment. If this is not done and the child is just told "don't do it again", then they won't realize the consequence of their actions. Depending on the severity of the bad behavior, a grounding and taking away of privilege is also acceptable, especially as the child grows older. However, I believe it is very important for the parent to communicate with the child while they are disciplining so the child really knows they they are being punished, otherwise the child will just think they didn't do anything wrong and can't associate their actions with the punishments.