Wow, you are a great, courageous mom. And in future years, your son will only grow in his respect, loyalty, and protection of you. I was raised in the 1950s and 1960s, and my mom did not hesitate to smack our mouth if we sassed her. Dad used the belt routinely (with restraint, of course); actually, the mere THREAT of the belt kept us in line. That era’s mantra was “Spare the rod, spoil the child” and “Children should be seen and not heard.” To this day, I monitor how I speak to my mom, and I’m pushin’ 60! I and my four siblings were saved from many a heartache by parental discipline.
I still watch what and how I say things to my Mom and Dad and I am 47!