To Smack or Not to Smack

[doingmybest]

My ds is six months old, but my niece who is two and a half stays with us a lot of the time. I have occasionally (twice) smacked her on her well-padded, nappied, bum. I know its not painful, but I'm not sure if I should. . .

she is your neice? does her mother know you have done this? personally i think that sort of disclipine should be left to the parents and bare in mind smacking is illegal. :) xx

i dont think you should either. 2 and a half is just a baby! also, she's not your baby - are you acting on the mothers instructions - ie slap my baby if she misbehaves?

however, twice is hardly child abuse! i just wouldnt do it again, if it were me in this situation.

Distraction is usually more effective at this age I found. Also, I wouldn't dream of smacking anyone elses child, although I have on occasion smacked mine.

i think 2 is too young too
and with 3 little devils i have learned it never works anyways

we don't smack dd1, age 2.8. but she pulled a kid's hair in playgroup. he looked right at her as she pulled his hair and pulled hers right back till she let go!

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IMHO this is a trip trapper

New poster on a subject like this!!!!!!!!!!

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I wouldn't feel comfortable about smacking someone else's child, even if the parents had given permission.

My answer is no, I don't think you should be doing this! And you must have some doubts otherwise you wouldn't be asking, so hope a negative response is ok with you .
It is something that parents decide for themselves, but I feel that whatever a parent does, it's not a good idea to set up the idea that other adults can hit her.

There are loads of other ways to encourage good behaviour inn children this age - start practicing before your ds grows older!

Good luck

oops - msg received RTK

I dont smack myself, distraction is a far better way, as is naughty step or what have you. Does your sis/sil know you smacked her child? If she agrees then thats up to the pair of you. If she she doesnt, omg. If anyone touched my child how ever gentle, I would be seiously pi**ed off and considering smacking them, myself, see violence breeds violence

We've had exactly this thread title before too.

whats a trip trapper? lol!

to troll or not to troll. that is the question . . .

Ooops me to RTK.

Lucy, I'm glad you don't smack yourself

a trip trapper is a troll, happybebe. Posts to cause trouble - or to extend their own dodgy interests.

hmm i see!

I smack trolls.

i like trolls! my son has a few that he likes to mutilate

Boden?

Hahahaha, what a difference a comma can make!

I dob them into MNHQ to be on the safe side

Marina Moderator

Lucy why do you smack yourself? Are you a glutton for punishment?

I meant....

Lucy why dont you smack yourself? Arent you a glutton for punishment?