Rod , I agree with all you have said there . Your arguments are based on clear reason .
The line between assault , and the " little smack " is a fair point , however my argument is that this line clearly becomes easily blurred , and this I do see in my travels .
Then comes the possession part of the equation " They are my kids , I'll do what I want " . Reasoning is a lot easier than people like to make out , and this does come back to the principle of " reasoned clear thinking " , the example presented where the child is already hysterical , and the mother continues to hit while presenting the option " You take him " , is really quite irrelevant for the damage is done , she has clearly made the problem worse by allowing " aggressive reaction " on the part of the child .
Its not difficult , an agressive action confronted with another aggressive action === Becomes a much larger piece of Agression , we have all witnessed fights in hotels ..Maybe it started over billiard chalk , simply absurd , but this is the circumstance created .
You dont have to be a phycologist , you just need to think it though , It relates to common sense . But one simple point to begin , children are not a possesion , and you dont have the god given right to Strike / belt ..hit , I'll refrain from using the word assault , for this is in the very worst of cases .
