Slapped my 6yo boy this morning - am I evil?

[Rococorita]

Can't stop crying. My 6yo DS was acting up before school this morning. Wouldn't get dressed, shouting rude things at me, and finally whacking me. I snapped and slapped him - quite hard - on the cheek. I have never done this before. He was shocked and burst into tears. On the way to school I told him I loved him and was sorry but he said he hated me and would never kiss me again. I'm a complete wreck.

Have I done irreparable damage - and should I be turning myself in to social services immediately?

mamalino, because i would rather think that it was completely and utterly a loss of control rather than premeditated violence maybe? I hate to think that anyone would sit there and think to themselves, right i am going to slap muy child now, and it shall be on the leg/arm/insert body part here? I still did not say it was right, but rather that i accept it was a total loss of control as the OP said, and something she wants to make sure doesnt happen again.

Roco, if it helps, my dh (otherwise a very lovely person) thinks that hitting children is an important part of disciplining them and teaching them to behave nicely. This is quite ordinary in the southern mediterranean climes we live in. I very frequently witness friends here (nice middle class professionals) whacking their kids. Causes no end of rows in our household, but I'd thought I'd mention it because it might illustrate that slapping your 6 year old hardly makes you some kind of violent loony. Remember that when we were little they still used to do it in schools.

I admit to slapping my 7yo once. I will never do it again I felt sick. I snapped and I was wrong and I admitted it. Yes we are parents but we have feelings and the pressure of being a mum and working etc. Before you jump down my throat the angels amongst you - we are human too and we make mistakes. I cant believe some of you giving her a hard time, thats not what she needs. Our own guilt is punishment enough I think and it will do no long term damage

God its got a it serious for me i wouldnt of posted that if id known - please dont shout at me anyone pppllleeasse

She slapped his face once in 6yrs - it may have smarted for a few seconds and he was very shocked. Is that what you think is 'beating up'. No I don't think this is acceptable, nor does the op, it does not constitute what you claim it does.
You are hysterical, but not in a funny way. Please tell me what your issues are - you must have some to be this way - maybe we could help?

"Anybody else want to tell me i'm out of order for protecting children from violence. Get a grip. Why on earth would you come on here for support in justifying hitting your child. It's mumsnet."

You really don't get it, do you M7? And how, by spouting off and laying into the OP, are you "protecting children"? HELP the woman FFS, with some useable advice.

TMag7, I've reported your post.

I think your days on this site are numbered. I certainly hope so.

I can't believe people are being attacked for saying that hitting a child is totally unacceptable. A six yr old is slapped across the face and people are actually asking, where did he hit you! or yes they can be hard work cant they, as though it's their fault, FFS! Get fucking real it's wrong.

Desi, I think that's unfair. This was always going to be an emotive thread. Whilst many people empathise and most people sympathise (myself included) with the OP. For some, the mere thought of smacking their child gives them a chill.
I couldn't lambast these women any more than I can the OP.

Too many effings and blindings on this one. Horrible. Nobody should be casually told to f*ck off. That's nasty.

Violence is unacceptable. Absolutely and without a doubt. I don't see anyone saying it's ok.

But what would be best - Roco's DS be taken off her and put in a home for her slap? Or help her to improve matters? I'd plump for the latter.

If she's on here, saying I slap my kids on a regular basis, then there's a problem. Absolutely 1000%.

But myredcardigan, it's not OK for 'these women' to lambast the OP when she is at her lowest point and screaminly obviously asking for help, not condemnation.

Cardigan, I'm not being remotely unfair, believe me.

desi I also reported that post. It's the first time I have ever done that. But I believe it was right to do so.

What I'm saying is that we can't just start telling people to fuck off for expressing perfectly valid opinions.
The OP has posted full of remorse. She's had lots of support whilst gently reminding her what she did was wrong. She's also had a few posters reminding her that for some, hitting a child is abhorent. A balanced view, I'd say.

Cardigan, I perfectly understand what you're saying, but I'm addressing TMag7's posts, and his/her posts, specifically.

I have every sympathy with the OP, and not much for her detractors, to be fair. I'm all for a balanced 'debate', but the OP wasn't asking for a debate.

She was asking for help.

No I don't. But in fairness she was told to fuck off first.

Anyway. I agree re the OP. She has my sympathy. I just think we need to be more tolerant of posters who stick their neck out and state their opinion whether it's agreeable or not.

Yes, but not by me, Cardigan.

Yes, she was. But she posted on MN. How often do we slag posters off for not expecting and accepting a difference of opinion.
Coco,I hope tomorrow is a fresh start.

Sorry, Roco

schoolgirl bollocks.Be off to bebo the pair of you