abbott admits to smacking his children, page-81

A child needs to learn from us adults, so that they are prepared for adult life.

We can teach them that if they do something wrong there will be consequences,(age appropriate) in the form of something is temporarily taken from them. (just like it will be when they are grown and now know that someone can hit them anymore).

They also need to learn to trust us, so if they make mistakes as young teenagers etc are not afraid to talk to us.

Bringing up a child is hard work and they make mistakes but hitting the young person that you say you love (causing physical pain for me is not right) so much makes no sense.

This smacking only if in dangerous situations, well that is the adults job to protect them as they don't understand death, drowning, cars...or if they pull a hot pot off the oven, or if mum or dad leaves a toddler the bath tub and and he slips under water.....does he get a smack, if you get there on time????

I have seen parents smack, only to find the kid laughing....saying that didn't even hurt.

Smacking to me is the easy way out...sort term can breed fear.
Disciplining takes time and effort....but the rewards are endless.

I understand how busy parents are but the earlier you start the better....even just writing a list of punishments (or consequences) for the bad behavior is so easy, and stick to it.
It really gives the child time to think about what they did...instead of a quick smack and yelling in anger.

Just my 2 cents....and I would never hit a dog, so no way ever will I hit a child.