Is corporal punishment (spanking) an acceptable form of discipline?
If by “acceptable” you mean widely seen as OK, then it’s acceptable. Is it the best choice? I’d say rarely. You will most likely get some answers about how kids used to be spanked all the time, were better behaved, and turned out to be more well-adjusted and productive adults. Personally, I don’t think life is that simple, and saying that a lack of spanking is the cause of today’s social ills is a pretty narrow view. We have three kids and have never spanked them. They’re good kids, don’t get into trouble at school, and are learning personal responsibility. Instead of spanking, we practice some common sense. If my toddler is trying to hit someone with a toy, he loses the toy. Throw food on the floor at lunch? Leave the kitchen. Throw a fit? Go to your room so you’re not bothering anyone. Make a mess? Clean it up. Hitting? You don’t get to play anymore. Our kids are learning the consequences of their actions without being spanked in the process. Also, one of my boys is pretty aggressive
