Replies

"13 is way too old, even for your own child."

I disagree. In my household for our daughter, there were two offenses that would draw physical punishment from the time she was born to the time she left for college.

#1 Disrespect to either mom or myself.

#2 Handling one of my firearms in the absence of either mom or myself.

Let me be clear...I never EVER had to strike my daughter for anything. When she was a toddler mom used to whomp her for the usual reasons, but my hand was reserved for the two felonies stated. I never had to, but I would have, right up to the time she left for college.

My daughter is getting married in July 2004. When they settle in, she wants the Ruger SP101 .357 magnum that has always been hers (but of which I maintained control) since she was 10. Now, I just have to train her new hubby to be as good with the gun as she!

I understand--and you proved my point. Because you taught your child when she was young, punishment was rare and physical punishment nonexistant as a teen. My point is simply if you can't control them when they are young, the first spanking at 13, 15, or older is counterproductive.

We use the G. Goron Liddy rules for guns in our house. Both of my girls have respect for weapons--and can shoot as well as most adults. But since they are 16 and 13, the handling is done under close supervision. Although they would be severely punished for breaking the rules, I don't see it happening. The lessons were taught early, like you did, not late.