I agree about the time-outs not always being effective...we use them too...even on my 15yo when he just needs to think and calm down...but I am more of a yeller anyway...and my kids are afraid of my bark!! I use it effectively and they do not like it when I'm mad at them. They know that if "mommy is mad at me and going to ignore me, then nobody else will listen to me and help me if I need it" so the best thing for them to do is listen and stay on "my good side" It works everytime!!!

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"Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake!" - ANONYMOUS

No flaming here. I am trying very hard to not spank my girls, but sometimes time-outs just don't work. And, every child needs different forms of discipline. Parents should not have to be afraid to discipline their kids. Now, to me a spanking is a swat on the bumper along with an explanation of why. Some parents don't know any other way and some "crimes" may warrant something harsher than time out. The laws need to protect our children from abuse- verbal, mental, and physical, but I don't consider an occasional spanking abuse. Especially if the child learnns that the particular behavior is unacceptable. Tough call- where do you draw the line?

I agree to me a spanking is a quick swat on the bottom! Yes I have given my kids a swat but only if it was well deserved.

We have spanked our children ~ under the age of 4. It has normally taken place when they are creating a dangerous situation, or when they have ignored (or continued) after all other disipline measures are taken. I would have to say that most of the time it is an attention getter than the punishment specifically. We normally follow it up with talk as to why they were spanked, and the expectation for next time. I will tell you this...after being spanked once or twice...we rarely have to use it again. Do I think that there are people who abuse this with their kids? Yes I do. Do I think that a law will stop them from continuing to do it? Unfortunately No, I don't. It is already against the law to abuse your child...but it still happens. Do I think that this is the best form of disipline available? No, I don't, but I do think that there are occasions where a swat on the tush may be warranted. To make it against the law will only keep the law abiding people from doing it, and they aren't the ones that need to be watched anyway.

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It would be impossible to enforce for one thing. And where do you draw the line? Is a swat on the bottom a spanking? How about slapping their hands when they reach for an electrical outlet? What about a little pop on the mouth when they bite someone?

The whole thing is rediculous!

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~Happiness is a large family~

Since I went first, I was a little cautious with my post. Didn't want to get slammed for my opinion. It is so nice knowing that we all think the same way!! Thank you for making me feel better!!

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I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are. ~ Frances Moore Lappe

I couldn't have said it better myself!

200% IN FAVOUR. While I don't see it as abuse in "all" situations, I do however see it as extremely disrespectful in All situations. I do however, have to add a caveat ~ our son is easy and doesn't give me reason to resort to it. If he did I'd have to get way more creative with my discipline! I still wouldn't for the obvious reasons and the biggest one of all: I'd be using it to get out my frustrations and I can see myself going overboard.

If anyone needs anti-spanking resources (that I can't list here since it's in conflict with the rules of listing another website) please PM me. There are better ways out there!

What is the world coming to???????????? Children need disipline and if that means a spank once in awhile (just enough to get their attention, then.......).

I do not spank my kids, and I don't really love it if other people do. I was spanked by a babysitter and didn't tell my Mom until I was 16. So I do have SOME experience with it. ANYWAY! I still do not think there should be a law against it.

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“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”