Quote:
Originally Posted by Envoy Costagravas  Well, I guess this confirms the confusing nature of the thread. |
Confusing by design I'd say as it lumps together spanking, hitting and beating.
As someone who was beaten by her parents, I don't confuse the three at all. Spanking are hand slaps to the child's butt. They leave no marks, but work very well for some kids in some situations. I think past a certain age, they lose effectiveness.
My son was spanked a few times, although I don't recall any spanking after ~6. Each time after he'd endangered his safety.
I only hit him once and that was pure reflex after he snuck up behind me and bit me on the ass. (I recall he was about 5 and my ass was mouth high) He was very shocked. I hugged him afterwards and apologized, but I think it taught him a valuable lesson that even people who love you have limits and can screw up. I've always thought that parents who took a "I'm perfect" totalitarian stand towards their kids were riding for a fall.
I'm not a great parent. I consider myself to have made the minimal cut for decent, which isn't surprising as I had appalling role models. But I have a great kid, one with a good heart and excellent character, so I must have done something right.