Spanking children... acceptable or not as discipline?

[redqueen]

143. You immediately get down to eye-level with the child, take them gently but firmly by the shoulders,

turn them to face you (and if they look away, repeat in a calm voice, "Look at me. (Name), you have to look at me now. This is serious.&quot

Using a very adult tone, and not the sing-songy 'talking to a kid' voice parents often use, you simply say it to them straight. "You hurt (other child's name). Do you realize that? You hurt them. You can't do that, (child's name). Do you understand? It is wrong to hurt other people. You wouldn't want them to hurt you, would you?" etc.

Continue to discuss this as long as you can hold their attention, or until they appear to register that this isn't some business as usual, everyday (don't throw your food, don't draw on the wall, etc.) kind of issue. It won't work if the parents/other caretakers yell at them all the time for every little thing. It also won't work if its done using that sing-songy tone, either. It has to really stand out to the child that this is a serious issue.

Even very young children understand much more than we give them credit for. Discipline is not hard, and it does not require hitting or even raising your voice. My two girls never threw a fit, not once. Not at home, not in public. They never fight. They argue, but there was never any hitting, not even pushing or shoving. (This despite their seeing their dad going after me on occasion - I have since left the relationship.)