Originally Posted By goodgirl Category: Morals Question: Do you believe hitting a child is an appropriate form of discipline?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Define "hitting". I believe a good smack on the butt or hand that is felt but doesn't leave a mark is appropriate under certain conditions. I don't believe hitting anywhere about the neck is appropriate nor do I believe a closed fist is appropriate. But, I got spanked my fair share and I didn't become a serial killer.
Originally Posted By goodgirl wahoskipper, that's the question out of my book. I changed it to spanking but then realized I could end up doing that to other questions as we go along. That could put my bias into the questions; something I'd rather not do. So, I'm entering the questions as they are. I'll let individuals explain their views and interpretations as you have done above.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I have to agree with wahooskipper, a pop on the butt is fine. No way in any circumstance is a fist ever ok.
Originally Posted By goodgirl "hitting" "spanking" Two different words to some; two identical words to others.
Originally Posted By jasmine7 I think the only time a spank is in order is if it's a life-threatening situation (i.e. kid runs in front of car, plays with the stove, etc). Otherwise, I truly feel there are other ways of handling children. My dad never spanked me, and I can only recall a couple of times that my mom did (they didn't quite agree on spanking), and I turned out fine. Of course, I know that every situation is different, but if I should ever have a child, I do not plan on spanking.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut I remember getting the snot beat out of me as a kid. (quite deservedly sometimes) But I learned from that. I am on the same page with the smack on the butt or the hand, but no closed fists, no abdomen, head, neck, leg or arm areas. No tools either. Your hand or nothing at all.
Originally Posted By mickeymeg I would also agree with how wahooskipper has defined this. I have never known a child that has suffered any long term trama from a deserved swat on the butt. In fact, several kids who I have seen grow up as I know recieved the occasional 'spank' when they they were young. These kids are now much more focused and self disiplined than others their own age.
Originally Posted By alexbook Never hit a child in anger. Set rules and explain that the penalty for certain infractions will be a spank. If the child violates those rules, take several deep breaths, take a walk, calm down, then explain what was done wrong and spank them as promised.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 My opinion is avoid spanking at all costs but a pop in the butt for really really bad behavior is something I'd probably do. I was only spanked 3 times in my childhood all by my father pretty as described by alexbook. He never did it while angry. It was absolutely devastating to be spanked by him. It never hurt it was just knowing that I disappointed him so badly that he had to resort to this punishment of me that sent me into hysterics. I do know lots of kids that while watching their unruly behavior I wish their parents would give them a good crack in the arse.
Originally Posted By goodgirl I remember one time a couple years ago going through the Indy queue. There was a mom and two boys ahead of us. The boys were about age 6 and 8. They were being totally obnoxious. Earsplitting screams for the fun of it. Yelling out "Move move you 'g' 'd' people, we wanna ride Indy." The younger kid had a sword. He was slapping his brother and his mom on the legs. His brother would yell "STOP IT." His mom would say "Don't do that honey." Then the kid slapped the sword against the leg of the older gentlemen (not a part of his group) in front of him. At that moment I wanted to step forward and spank...the mother. I was never spanked as a child. I can't see myself doing it to a child. However, I don't have kids so I'm not sure if my attitude would change if I did have them.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 No. However, a swift guarded smack on a well padded behind or little hand reaching for something dangerous can speak volumes and I suppose be less damaging than verbal abuse. A soft pinch always worked when they were sitting in the grocery cart whining about something I wouldn't let them have. It was like "whoa, what did you do that for?"
Originally Posted By EdisYoda A spank yes, but hitting never... and definately no other tools, only the hand and ONLY if talking doesn't work.
Originally Posted By Ursula Yes on the spanking, no on the beating or closed fist. I think my dad was too heavy-handed with the whippings he gave me as a kid; he used a leather belt and it left marks. And a lot of times, he was very inconsistant in his discipline.
Originally Posted By EdisYoda That's part of it too Ursula... consistency. Kids know when a threat of punishment is empty, and they'll use that to their advantage. I know that I did.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut Yeah leather belts suck, so do wooden spoons, 1/2" ratchets, pipe wrenches and garden hose. Those all hurt like heck.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 And hot wheel tracks - I had an aunt who used those and ping pong paddles. Yikes, they hurt. She was a free swinger and if you were in the line of fire, you got it too.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut I heard about the hot wheel tracks. Uhgh. I never got the ping pong paddle, but I did get a tennis racket.
