[lilylangtree]

Good ruling.

[Prime Choice]

Parents who spank their children as a form of discipline are not necessarily engaging in child abuse, even when they use a belt and leave a bruise, the state Appellate Court has said.

Ssh! Hear that? That's the sound of Liberals gnashing their teeth and preparing for a blood-curdling wail.

All kidding aside, while I'm glad this ruling has been made, I'm incredibly steamed that this matter even had to go to court! Used to be that parents were the final authority in the home, not the government.

[MaineRepublic]

So what about the woman caught on camera in the mall parking lot a couple of years ago slapping her 3 or 4 year old daughter in the face in retribution for bad behavior in the store while her check was being refused.

Is that acceptable discipline?

[TexasTransplant]

Like I ever go ask Government for Permission.

I will remind Government at every opportunity that I am not a Subject, they Serve me and not the other way around.

Pet Peeve #2

TT

[wideawake]

Good ruling. Of course, the best kind of discipline is the kind where just a look or a word will immediately curdle the blood of the offending child.

[SoDak]

I need to send this to my sister, who desperately needs to employ some of it to my nephew before unleashing her offspring on society.

[HEY4QDEMS]

"We don't routinely determine whether child abuse or neglect occurred based on the intent of the parent,"

Well then thank God for these sensible Judges.

[Proud2BeRight]

Liberals don't want parents to spank, yell at, or home school children but they fully support killing them.

[Libertina]

Well of course...and WHY was a "ruling" even necessary for this? I loathe (most) lawyers AND (all) liberals.

[NRA1995]

Does making said child wear underwear on its head count as abuse?

[nightdriver]

"In a ruling released Monday, the judges recognized a parent's right to use "reasonable physical force" to discipline a child."

Does this give us any legal recourse when our children are kidnapped by CPS?

[najida]

I am on the fence about this---

I think consistency and love is the key to this (like the kid knows you don't hate them and want them dead when the punishment starts).

I was beaten with a belt by an out-of-countrol crazed parent one time too many. I remember the sick-to-my gut fear and terror.... which became the favored form of discipline. So it became both physical and psychological.

If you can keep a cool head and it is for the purpose of teaching the child right from wrong, it may be OK. However, I also know from my own experience, that the moment you feel your anger taking over, you need to walk away and understand that spanking may be something you shouldn't do. Ever.

[exnavychick]

I have to chime in here, too. I am a mommy to four-count 'em FOUR-very active little boys. All of my boys (minus the 5 month old, of course, lol) have all gone through a period of time where spanking was the most effective deterrent/punishment for their misbehaving. They have also had favorite toys, or activities taken away. I have a kitchen timer I use for time-outs. I have always used different approaches for different ages, personalities and offenses. My new one on the way will likely provide me with different challenges, boy or girl, and I will have to adapt accordingly. The main thing is to provide consequences for their behavior, both good and bad, and I find that works wonders for my family.

[blurb]

What if you hit an adult with a belt and left a bruise? Would they be justified in pressing charges? Bringing a lawsuit?

[SaveTheChief]

That this was even in the court system speaks volumes about the decline of our society. Government continues to invade the private lives of the American people. I sincerely hope and pray that President Bush and Congress have the courage and will to change this.

[F16Fighter]

The judges recognized a parent's right to use "reasonable physical force" to discipline a child.

But was the dreaded 'wooden spoon' sanctioned as an instrument of "discipline"?

Mothers of Italian descent would be most affected...:-)

[eccentric]

Quite frankly, after 8 kids, I've decided to raise cats. Same mess, less stress.--- and I can get them fixed before they breed...

[add925]

This ruling should make all liberals very happy...the've been spanking their monkeys for decades.

Oh wait....spank their children....never mind.

[Dustbunny]

Geeze, it is about time a court used some common sense making a ruling.

[trubluolyguy]

You...you mean I can spank my unruly child? Oh thank you so VERY much for allowing me the "priviliedge" of being a good parent. Thank the Gods of american jurisprudence...I kiss your feet, I kneel at your side oh great and merciful ones.....

A@@HOLES