[Neckbone]

I completely agree with you. Kind of like being a vegetarian, though, the very act of not believing in spanking seems to really offend some people. I have never once spanked my six (almost seven now- I can't believe it) year-old son. Does he get into mischief? I should hope so, that's his job. But what message does spanking communicate other than the effectiveness of the use of violence to force your will on another?

Eagle Eye commented "Reasoning with toddlers. Yeah, right." I think that this is really the line that seperates those who like to spank and those that don't. I would never claim to have successfully sat my two year-old down for a conversation about behavior. Instead I used facial expression and vocal tonality to make my point. He got the point, and it changed his behavior. I'm sure it would've been faster and easier to just hit him, and I think it is this lack of patience that makes spanking so prevalent.

[Eagle Eye]

Eagle Eye commented "Reasoning with toddlers. Yeah, right." I think that this is really the line that seperates those who like to spank and those that don't.

I don't like your tone and the fact that you chose to address this without my attention. Was this a simple oversight or do you have a courage deficit?

"Liking" to spank isn't the issue and I really, really find it offensive that you would imply that I enjoy hitting children. I don't "like" grounding children, or "like" making them drop out of a team sport for low academics either, but I have done those things as well.

Since your whole experience seems to be with a single child, I'll suggest that you have only a very narrow and limited view of parenting. My youngest is twice as old as yours. I suspect that if I hadn't spanked when they were young, I'd have more troubles now that I've got four teens.

But maybe I should yield to your whole seven years of wisdom.

[Marie]

I totally agree with you, but there are children who do not respond to tone of voice or reason. They are only concerned about their own hides. Kids need to be taken on a case-by-case basis.

[wardaddy]

My two daughters could be reasoned with....actually "convinced quickly" is a better phrase, you don't reason with 2-5 year olds. A stern glance or maybe a threat was usually enough. Together they may have been swatted with a hand on their bottom less than 10 times in their lives.

My 2.5 year old manchild has a will that is something to be amazed at. I wish I could reason with him in my dreams. Spanking is the ONLY thing that will get him to behave or stop doing something that may hurt him or someone else. He can turn from lovable cuddler to Jack Nicholson in the Shining rather quickly. Power he understands. Love as well. A modest butt spanking never hurt anyone permanently except those born quite fragile either physically or emotionally.

JMHO. Kudos to all you brave souls who manange without spanking particularly a manchild. You are all a better man than I.