[Freesteyelz]

Originally Posted by MPDev

That's what it comes down to, doesn't it? The motivation for the "correction" and the degree of application. I'm not saying that there isn't a time and place to "correct" a child; as I said, I have 5 and I would be lying if I said I never used a spank (or swat) as a method of getting their attention. But what concerns me as a parent is the impact of repeated spankings, especially as a child gets older - or when people get to where they strike out at a child when another form of correction would have worked just as well. Or a parent who strikes a child in anger and not as a form of correction but then labels it a "spanking".

There is a fine line between correcting a child and abusing them.

Lawmakers

I agree. I share your same concerns. Spanking should never be the primary (repeated) action of discipline. It is important for the child to understand what is being communicated to them when being disciplined. There are many effective alternatives to spanking that are scientifically proven. I've experienced 180 degree turnarounds when techniques are applied correctly. While there are consequences for every action, to discipline is an opportunity to teach.