To ask should smacking children be banned.

[HadABadDay2014]

Just seen this on the welsh news.

I am not perfect and once I have smacked ds felt awful and never did it again.

Now I know if this was a patient at work or a member of the public I would had been arrested and highly likely ended up with a criminal record and lost my job.

So the question is should snaking children be banned.

I also have smacked my children once or twice, for similar reasons as above.
Afterwards I realised it was more about me than them :(

Yes it should be illegal, we should all find better ways of dealing with difficulties.

Do three year olds need reins? Don't they just listen? Is my daughter abnormally well behaved? I have been getting through the day with son two year old because i believed he will be much better by then... I'm wrong again aren't i?

Absolutely yes it should be illegal.

If every smack by a parent looking after small children or by a sibling to a sibling is prosecuted, the population will be living in a permanent state of fear. Neighbour will spy on neighbour, schoolkid on schoolkid, etc. If a smack causes a mark, it is already a criminal offence.

MrsTerry - I don't agree with constantly having 3 year olds in reins just in case (would you use reins on a member of the public?

You can't compare using them on a toddler liable to run into the road and using them on a member of the public

I wouldn't put a bib on a member of the public or cut up food for them...

Flock I stopped using reins recently. I have a 'runner'. The threat of "reins on" is more of a deterrent than smacking BTW. Experts don't think that 3 yo have effective road sense so holding hands, reins, keeping them close is needed at that age. It only takes once.

Dromedary you are making the illegality of smacking sound like the Stasi. If neighbours keeping an eye out was that effective, domestic violence wouldn't exist.

So what should happen to a harrassed parent who smacks a child once after hours of unreasonable behaviour? No-one would suggest it's good parenting but do you really think everyone's interests are served by him or her being prosecuted?

Yes it should be. The reasons given on this thread for pro smacking are pathetic.

It's such a blurred area, some ones quick smack on hand is some one else's slap on the legs. My mum used to leather mine. I put my feet up once as she sprained her wrists!!

Why the hell would you smack a child smaller than you? Because you have lost control and can't think of anything else - shit parenting.

I never had to smack dd1 and won't be doing it to dd2

So what should happen to a harrassed parent who smacks a child once after hours of unreasonable behaviour? The same as what happens to them if they shake a baby in frustration. It really is that simple, don't be violent towards your children. Harassed or tired or otherwise.

I wouldn't be in favour of a ban. I've never smacked dd and have no intention of doing it, but neither do I think that people should be prosecuted for occasionally smacking children who run into roads etc. What a complete waste of resources! Dv against children is already clearly illegal.

dip no it wouldn't but what you have just described is a parent losing control, so rather than lashing out the parent could do with coping strategies/help.

Nope it shouldn't. I was occasionally smacked, my DD was occasionally smacked. I didn't fear my parents, my DD doesn't fear me.

But smacking a child as they have run in to the road serves what? What has the child learnt?

If your child in prone to running off, don't let them get to the point where they can do that ....

I see the word 'smacking' quickly got changed to 'hitting'

There is a difference, you know.

joysmum it may have been fine for lots of families but there are the ones where it jumps from discipline to abuse.

People used to think it was fine to smoke in cars. Times change.

Definitely should be banned.

Haven't yet come across a situation that could possibly justify hitting Dd (5) and I imagine she is averagely good/naughty.

I agree there shouldn't be separate rule for smaller weaker people - no logic at all. Plus I firmly believe it doesn't work.

There is a difference, you know. What is that difference?

There is no difference in 'hitting' or 'smacking', except by those who defend their actions by trying to give it a softer name. Raising your hand to someone and striking them is hitting, whether they're 3 or 33.

no... I would bring back the cane in schools.

Yes but we're not all perfect all the time. The idea it would be banned and the police would then be enrolling miscreants on gentle parenting classes is hilarious, we can barely support the people we have under social services already. This isn't a real issue, children not being properly supported in failing families is.

Mishmash - the support should be available without the criminalisation. I can name at least 5 friends who are good parents who I know have on occassion smacked their child - they were ashamed and horrified but I really don't see how being prosecuted would help.

I am not making excuses, it was 100% my fault.

I don't think I warrens a criminal record, but perhaps a compulsory parenting course.

I feel like hitting people who drive like cunts, endangering me and mine. I'm not perfect, shall I smack them one? No? Why not?

MrsTerry - I don't agree with constantly having 3 year olds in reins just in case (would you use reins on a member of the public?

I put my eldest in reins as she loved to walk from a young age and was most definitely a bolter so I found it safer with her in reins as it allowed her to walk but I knew she was safe. What on earth is wrong with that. It had nothing to do with her behavior and lots to do having very energetic, overly confident 3 year old who wasn't fazed if she got lost. She also didn't like holding hands.

DD2 was totally different and I never used reins with her.

I would like to see a ban, but do disagree with smacking.

Yes dance there is and it can be massively abused