Originally posted by Shadoom
Corporal punishment is more about releasing the parent's anger than it is about disciplining a child.
I am inclined.........no, I strongly disagree with this statement. I am a firm believer in discipline of various sorts. I think a lot of it depends on the child and how hardheaded he or she may be, or the severity of the action that warranted the discipline. I have a three year old son and I do spank him and believe me, it is not because he does not need it. However, I make certain that when I do inflict physical punishment upon him, I am not angry. Normally I will make him go to his room and we will talk about what he did before I spank him to make sure he understands why is getting a spanking, then we talk more afterwards to make sure he knows that I am serious about what I am telling him, and the we spend quite a bit of time hugging and playing afterwards. I feel that when I use this method, he knows he is getting a spanking, he knows I am consistent and what I say is what I mean, but he also knows that I love him.

I do realize that there is a fine line between discipline and abuse and too often we find that many parents cross the line because it is a release of anger.........but just because a parent spanks his or her child does not mean that it is always a release of anger. I know I got my fair share of spankings as a child and I think I turned out ok, and I can assure you, many of the spankings I received was nothing more than release of anger.....but I still knew my parents loved me.

And to answer your question Nikka.....no, I personally do not think BDSM has any relation to how we rear our children. There is a definite difference in spanking for fun and enjoyment or discipline because it excites us sexually and spanking your children....at least for me. I like the comment lynangel made when she said, 'we have discovered something that we as adults enjoy...nothing more and nothing less.' I could not agree more.