I have not read all responses here ... but I think the original poster ((((shangrala))))))makes good points .... there is always a fine line between what is abuse and what is discipline .... if a toddler is about to put his/her finger into an electric socket a strong NO doesn't always work, you can't reason with a 2 year old or younger .... I tapped the back of their hand but not too hard ... I was hit by my father but not my mother a a small child ... I did slap my kids legs when they were younger ..... I admit I was frustrated and maybe nowadays would think again ..... this would be after reasoning, explaining, etc .... I dont condone (sp)violence . I say now I was wrong probably, at the time I was the adult and they were smaller than me ... but having said that they didn't grow into bullies and weren't affected by it .... sometimes children will take notice more from a tap on the legs ..... where do you draw the line? I would never slap them around the head or face, punch them, kick them, bruise them .... this is an argument that I believe will never be solved ....
I love my children and they have been loved, protected and nurtured, so I wouldn't call a tap bullying ... (I hope not anyway)
Sorry this thread seems to have gone off topic a little, I agree with the original poster that our children deserve respect and they need to be listened to ..... they do have a tough time these days. I have othing but praise for my two, seeing them do so well in this crazy, stressful world ... yes we do groan about them sometimes ... but we love them and respect everything they are striving for ....
Just my opinion, Jinny xoxoxoxoxo
Forgot to add, my kids have never been bullies themselves.... they treat people how they like to be treated themselves although my daughter is very opinionated (cant think where she gets that from
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