[Paloma_55]

My first wife's father was a child psychiatrist. His favorite saying was, "Never strike a child except in anger."

As a horseman, I know that striking a horse is about the 2nd worse thing you can do to them.

The worst thing you can do is NOT strike them when they need it. Like you said, its all about timing. When a horse nips me, I have 5 seconds to pound the crap out of it. Then, I walk away, give it a few seconds, and then walk over and pet it.

As for kids, the scenario would have been... "Kenny, put that down", Kenny ignores me but detects a slight sound, as he turns his head, he sees me approaching and puts it down.

[Rhiannon]

absolutely right

[bannie]

My kids:

1st I ask them to "Please..."

2nd I tell them harshly to "..."

3rd...spank!

That ended before the "spanking" evolved past a slap on a little hand because "pavlov" caught on before that.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

As for kids, the scenario would have been... "Kenny, put that down", Kenny ignores me but detects a slight sound, as he turns his head, he sees me approaching and puts it down.

I would have just killed Kenny on the spot.