I've talked a bit about why I don't spank my children and how being spanked as a child affected the adult I became. I have a hard time seeing a child being swatted for acting up in public, and get a little more than aggravated when a family member tells me that I need to spank my son more.
First off, my children are my business. People that tell me I'm not disciplining right have no say in how I parent. My kids aren't bad, and I understand the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively makes my son act out a bit more on occasion. Is that a reason to smack him, for trying to show me how he's feeling? I don't believe so.
Honestly - I think spanking is a lazy form of parenting. You get instant gratification because your child is going to stop whatever behavior they were displaying at that moment - but does it really work long term? I mean, do you really want your children to live in fear of you striking them again? Or would you rather teach them empathy and compassion in order to make the right choices?
Granted, I'm not one of those "live and be free" kind of moms. If my kids are misbehaving, there will be consequences. There has to be a balance, and teaching your children right from wrong doesn't have to come in the form of pain.
Just something to think about.