Smacking

[Venus]

Originally posted by Jemlet
This is a complicated one because much as I hate smacking, as I would have liked to have thought that we as a civilised society could move beyond smacking, the so called "experts" haven't given a method of punishment that is as effective and over and done with as quickly. The thought of a law against everything except the lightest of smacks just adds to the granny nation and losing individual control isn't the solution either. Who would define light? I can just imagine neighbours etc. crying foul play if my husband gave our kids a smack as they would just assume because of his stature that the smack was not "light".

I have heard the arguements for and against using an implement such as a wooden spoon for adminstering a smack, but I can understand how much easier it would be for a potential abuser to lose it when using a wooden spoon as they potentially would not know how hard they are hitting. A hiding can become a beating too easily imho if an implement is used. (Runs for cover as she waits for the attack )

I agree with you, Jem. I try very hard to use alternative punishments eg. time out but sometimes a smack is what works best. I never use an implement, only my hand & my son's bum is very well protected by a nappy. The trouble is that I feel horrible whenever I've felt the need to smack him & usually end up going into the bathroom for a good cry. I really don't like having to resort to physical punishment. If someone smacked me, even lightly, I'd never want anything to do with them again.