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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.

In my house, we teach our children R-E-S-P-E-C-T. This includes respect for people who are older than they, no matter what their social/economic/racial background. My parents did the same, and if I acted like this child, I would have got the belt. In fact, if I was disrespectful to an adult, I usually got an open hand smack and an earful in front of that adult. When I got home, the advice continued and if I didn't show respect, out came the belt.

I now realize the value of all of the lessons they taught, and I dearly love my parents for moulding me into the person I am today. I hope the same from my children.