[Eagle Eye]

I really don't think spanking is an effective technique for discipline

It's not. It's for punishment, pure and simple, not discipline, and should not be used in anger.

Your experience and view might be different if you had several kids close in age. Mine aren't perfect, but other parents and coaches talk about how well behaved and polite my kids are when I'm not around.

For those who don't know the difference between spanking and beating then one shouldn't use corporal punishment at all.

[WindMinstrel]

how do you differentiate punishment and discipline? I'm not sure I follow

[Maceman]

It's not. It's for punishment, pure and simple, not discipline, and should not be used in anger.

I don't see the distinction between punishment and discipline when it comes to kids.

Ideally, we punish our kids to teach them internal discipline, and to teach them that there are negative consequences when they break family and social rules. In other words, we use punishment to instill in them the discipline necessary to learn self control, and to deal properly with parental, social and legal authority.

I just don't see how spanking contributes to that process at all.

[SLB]

One of the hot button topics today is the spanking issue.

Was I spanked? You bet. Did it scar me for life? I don't think so. I was never beaten, but sure got spanked and sure knew exactly why I was getting the spanking. Was life better then? You be the judge. As a parent of five I understand how difficult it is to be a parent. However, there is no excuse for the rudeness and disrespect I see coming from today's kids. When I was growing up I addressed everyone that was an adult as either "sir" or "mam" I immediately rose from my seat when either a "sir" or "mam" entered the room. I sure didn't lounge in front of a TV for endless and mindless hours.