[Cobra64]

"Although three-quarters of parents in one Department of Health survey admitted hitting their children..."

First of all, "hitting" is different from "spanking."

My father spanked me several times with his belt; but he never hit me. There were times when his fist was cocked and targeted towards my chin, but he never "pulled the trigger." Spanking sometimes is the only way a parent can get his point across, especially if the child is having a temper tantrum.

Glad my children are all grown adults....

[volchef]

Be very glad your children are grown. We aren't allowed to use any disciplinary actions at all in public without reprisal from some person telling you what a horrible parent you are.

[Riverman94610]

I got my share of the belt,the ruler,and the swat of mom's hand many a time in my childhood and it really wasn't as effective as an honest discussion about my offense and why my behavior needed changing.
Yet for some kids the THREAT of a mild"asswhupping"does wonders to subdue potentially destructive behavior.
Of course,The State has no business regulating parental discipline in the home as long as it doesn't go to the extreme of REAL child abuse and beatings that inflict bodily harm.
Riverman