Stay-at-Home Parents

» Susan Whelan - microtrends - permissive parenting

The article, blog and discussion on this topic have all been very interesting. I have three children (3, 6 and 8) and while I love encouraging them to express themselves and make their own decisions and choices, I also see it as my responsibility to protect them in situations that they aren't old enough to understand or judge appropriately.

I have spanked my children in the past - a quick slap on the back of a 2 year olds hand when they keep reaching for something hot or dangerous can be very effective. Hitting or spanking a child when the parent is angry is another matter completely and I don't believe that it is effective at all as they get older. As my 8 year old discovered this afternoon (after he pinched his sister, refused to apologise then shouted at me) it is a much greater punishment to have a privilege temporarily removed (no shopping trip with his grandparents tomorrow for his new school supplies).

Age appropriate limits need to be set and bad behaviour needs to have consequences, but I don't think these need to be fire and brimstone lectures or physical punishment to be effective.