Quote Originally Posted by hewhispers
I think some parents go to that "tool" a bit too quickly and chances are they were hit when they were children. (we teach what we were taught)

I think its good for shock value when used sparingly but when it becomes overused it becomes useless and detrimental.
Spot on here.

As a child who was both beaten and spanked, I can say, without a doubt, some part of it is still with me, and is most likely the reason I'm the soft-spoken guy now.

My dad was definitely one of those parents who used that "tool" too much, and I got whipped fairly often. But then again, he had it even worse as a child with his dad...

There were a few times he beat me so bad my ass was so bruised and red, I had to stay home from daycare so no one would turn my parents in for abuse.

If and when I have kids, spanking would be the last, and I mean *last* resort for me. Even seeing a belt or ruler makes me shudder to this day. Plus, I don't want to be the reason my child has emotional problems because I have a problem with beating my kids.

Words hold more power anyways. ~