What is the limits for punishment
 

Last night on Queen Latifah's talk show, the subject was relatives who were concerned that their relatives went to far in disciplining their children. I know like most of you in this forum probably got a whipping for doing something wrong from time to time. But these mothers last night was sorta extreme. One mother's child was only fifteen months and she constanlt smacked her. Another guest said she would rather her child fear her than love her. All these women basically had one thing in common: pent up hostility and beating on their kids were they only way of venting. It made me so mad. My question is what could be so wrong you take it out on someone that came from you, and they are defenseless? Is it society's fault or what? Please give me some insight.

I was abused as a child and it just hurt my heart ot read your post. I don't think that the proper physical discipline is harmful for children. When I say proper I mean hitting ONLY with a hand on the butt, legs, or hands. ALSO NEVER, EVER, EVER, hitting a child in anger. A cooling off period is necessary. The child should also be spoken to about why they are being punished. Anything short of this or in excess of this is child abuse to me.