[Protagoras]

I don't think there is a good replacement for physical punishment.

What a pity. That's the laziness I was talking about.

There is something psychologically satisfying to the child about getting his punishment and then no longer having the guilt on his conscience.

Works well. But I never talked about punishment. The fact that you find them synonymous is telling.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

But I never talked about punishment. The fact that you find them synonymous is telling.

I thought this thread was about using spanking as punishment. I don't know if that makes them synonymous, but I believe that is what we are talking about. What are you talking about?

[Bushforlife]

I reject the notion that spanking is an example of parental laziness. Every parent who loves their child HATES to resort to spanking. It always has been a last resort for me, and it occurs in one of several instances:

1. After repeated warnings that the misbehavior isn't acceptable, and when lesser measures [such as reason, restricting privileges] doesn't seem to work

2. for out and out defiance [spanking only necessary once per child [or less]for this]

3. the child had put themselves or someone else in serious danger, or had intentionally injured someone

I have six kids. The oldest is 12. Not all of them have been "spanked", and no child has been spanked in their life more than three times. I have felt bad every time I did it, but still thought it the right thing.

The childrens' response: 1. they have a worldview in which there is absolute right and wrong, and in which punishment for wrongdoing is just
2. they view their father as being VERY fair, and are all very close to me.

I have never used any other instrument except my hand on their bottoms. I have never left a mark.

[yarddog]

I said: "I don't think there is a good replacement for physical punishment.

You said: "What a pity. That's the laziness I was talking about."

Your reply is bascically nonsense. It has nothing to do with laziness, I was clearly talking about the most appropriate form of punishment. For those occassions where it is called for, there is no good substitute. If you disagree, fine but don't ascribe attributes to my suggustion which are clearly not there.

You then said: "Works well. But I never talked about punishment. The fact that you find them synonymous is telling."

Of course you were talking about punishment. That is the form of discipline which this thread is addressing. The fact that you are trying to mislead is what is really telling.