abbotts dangerous words re hitting children, page-32

farmboy,

"Better to learn how to deal with being told 'NO', by your mother at 5 than a policeman at 25."

That is exactly it.

A good friend of mine began training as a prison officer about 25 years ago. He was given lots of training and information in what is a very difficult job. But a piece of advice from one crusty old screw stayed with him and has shown to be the single most important piece of information he was given.

" This job isn't like TV. The people here are not representative of society as a whole. It's a very strong mix. 90% of the inmates have never been taught the value of NO! 90% have never been smacked as a child (smacked, not hit)A small percentage have been flogged mercilessly."

I'm a strong believer in smacking. Never to inflict pain but to gain attention.

One of the few things I am in agreement with PM Abbott.