spanking or not?

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by vivant

I don't hit my pets

I cuff my cats when they are out of line, but only immediately in a cause and effect way (ie trying to jump up & get at my dinner). ey, it's what their mother would do.

That said, I find it equally disturbing that other forms of manipulation are employed as a means to get children to "obey," namely methods advocated by The Nanny et al. Bribes, rewards, et cetera are no better IMO. YMMV.

But surely any kind of reward in that sense is manipulation - a smile, a kiss, a "Well done!" or just, "Thank you." Children need positive reinforcement and if this means a star chart with a reward at the end for ongoing good behaviour it is a useful lesson - the world in general rewards sustained efforts in terms of grades, qualifications, promotion etc.