Originally posted by Thrawn
PS: I don't want to sound like I'm harshing on you Gun. These things are scaled to the amount and severity of the corporal punishment.
There is a difference between giving your child a swat on their butt from time to time to get their attention and beating them with a stick on a daily basis.
Thrawn I 100% agreed with what you said earlier in that it depends on the kid/circumstances/age.
When I say "beat" my kids I mean spanking. Now I don't hand those out too rarely in my house because I don't need to. My kids know that when they get a simple spanking they have done the absolute worse and that they've caused mommy and daddy a great amount of heartache (yes we lay the guilt into them too. All angles is what I say).
BUT, like you said grinding the playdoe into the carpet is not an bellybutton woopin. Spilling your cherry soda in the living room isn't an bellybutton woopin. These are "mistakes" and should be dealt with and no excused. However, they should be dealt with understanding, and like you said thrawn, age appropriate punishment if even necessary.
However, throwing sand in the neighbor kids eyes or poking your brothe with a pencile requires a completley different hand of discipline.
As allways I make sure my kids KNOW why there being punished and punish them appropriately to the circumstance/age.
One thing I learned early on as a parent is don't spank angry. If my kid is catching a beating it should hurt me to do it as much as it hurts him. There is nothing that deserves pain from anger.
Another effective tool that I picked up on is "put your hands on the bed". I tell my kids to go do this in anticipation of a butt woopin. Somtimes I don't even give it to them as the act of anticipation is enough. It also gives me the time to calm down and administer punisment in a cool frame of mind.
I honestly think thats the key. OTOH u have to give kids the respect they deserve. They will surprise you around every corner.
