[annyokie]

Spanking with other than an open hand is child abuse.

And, yes, my mother beat me with a belt, the buckle end.

[looscnnn]

Not quite, my wife is a dainty thing and needs to use a belt to get her point accross from time to time.

[Jaded]

In some areas spanking with an open hand is considered abuse.

[KantianBurke]

"Well then the law's crazy"

[RightOnline]

"Spanking with other than an open hand is child abuse."

As a father of five sons and two daughters, I heartily disagree. Use the belt or don't, but it's unfair to label it "child abuse".

Frankly...............never had to use a belt on any one of my kids more than once. They got the idea......double quick.

[Old Student]

"Spanking with other than an open hand is child abuse."

Depends on which state you're in. Not here in Oklahoma, for sure. Also, what is appropriate for a small child is less than adequate for a teenager.

Some places, speaking harshly to a misbehaving child is considered child abuse.