Children

[girlygirl2]

OK I know there is a family category but I dont want answers only off Parents......
I will not smack my Daughter, she is only 2 and there are so many reason why I wouldnt.
1. Where do you draw the line? - ie what "derserves" a smack
2. How hard?
3. If I can stop myself from hitting an adult, I can stop my self hitting a child
4. Mental damage and physical
etc etc etc
Would you hit your child - do you?
I'm not looking for an arguement, just honest answers and why please.
The reason being is that I'm having a discussion with the guys in my office and they all say that I should smack her when she is naughty.
She is hardly ever naughty and never without a reason ie tired, hungry, had too many sweets and having a sugar rush - basically its my fault why she is naughty normally - so why should I punish her for it????
I put her on the "thinking spot" and occasionally take away one of her favourite toys for punishment and I class that as strict enough and my family often say even thats quite hard on her.....
Your views please..........

[Pippa68]

I think you are right, Goodsoulette..I am sure the law stated that you were allowed to smack your child, but only with a hand (not an object) and you should not leave a mark.

[JB]

I got smacked as a child and I've never suffered a trauma as a result of it! Although I'm not a parent myself, if I was, I would certainly use this as a way of disciplining my child, although at only two years old, I think that your daughter is a bit young for this. I wouldn't rule it out for when she is older though, as I know so many people who are rude/spoilt/obnoxious, and the common denominator is that their parents took a soft approach. You're the best judge of what is best for your child - just don't let them down!

[Goodsoulette]

Look at the size of your hand and the size of the thing you are smacking. You can reason with an older child and you certainly should be smacking anyone under three.

I know plenty of obnoxious bullies and the common denominator is parents that belt them regularly and shout at them. There are better ways to discipline than using violence.

It used to be okay to hit your wife so why hit your child?

[girlygirl2]

Well I'm impressed guys, really thoughtful posts and very good reasoning behind all. Thank you. This is the way AB should be.
To be honest, I only have to look at my daughter in a certain way and she crumbles! Thats not through fear of being smacked or anything else but she knows that when I am being serious - she has to stop.
Every Parent is correct in the way they bring up their child and this is the way I will continue to go but it was very interseting reading. Thank you. :O)