While I agree with those who support the logic of the idea that spanking a child in response to hitting only serves to reinforces the behavior, I know for a fact that parent after parent gives a child numerous time outs, and groundings and privelege removal. This repetition show that these non-spanking punishments also could be deemed useless, because one time out simply does not cure a child of the behavior. In fact, I learned better from the few spankings I ever received as a child than from any other method. I believe that there is such a thing as a healthy fear of your parents, and it is a good thing. I remember clearly the "bad" kids from elementary and high school, and believe me, their behavior is NOTHING compared to the "bad" kids today. As the trend has shifted from corporal punishment and strict parenting (including less responsibility and participation in work at home) to passive reasoning and ridiculously full extracurricular schedules, kids aren't learning to earn anything. They assume that all their sports and fun are a right, not a privelege. And people wonder why kids are tougher to handle nowadays. This may sound really harsh, but I am tired of people not being accountable for why their kids have no respect for them. Anyone agree?
