Message #3069

[Martin]

probably like a fair percentage in my generation and generations before, I was smacked for being naughty. I don't think it did me any harm (I'm a fairly 'well adjusted' lass now    ) - but it doesn't really mean it was the right thing to do. Its now seen as a form of bullying or abuse, but back then it was getting your 'Comeuppance' for doing something wrong. Different times though eh....

I wouldn't class every occasion of every parent smacking a child as abuse, but I think there are almost always better ways of getting children to behave well.  We are imperfect beings and we can't always find the perfect way.  But what I would say is that, in many cases, parents who smack children are really underlining the concept of might is right.  I'm not a fan of smacking as a meams of punishment, or even the use of phrases like 'because I say so' but I have to admit that I have done both on the odd occasion.