Letters to the Editor
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definition of 'spanking'
It'd be nice to get an actual definition of what 'spanking' means.
In the household I grew up in (and I would guess the households of many) it meant a short slap to the bum. I'll never forget the one time my Aunt (who I still, at the age of 25, have a dislike of) slapped me across the face. A slap across the face was NOT in my definition, or what my parents would ever define. I was so shocked and uncertain (probably about age 10 at the time) that it wasn't until I was 18 that I ever told my parents about it (I think it gave me an understanding, albeit a small one, of the confusion and hardship faced by children who are actually abused in coming forward.)
So, when we talk about banning 'spanking' people automatically assume you're talking about the light smacks to the bum. They don't realise you might mean a cruelly thoughtout attack on a 12 year-old, involving hitting him 36 times with a weapon. (at least thats how that reads to me). I think greater legal definition of what our society/states considers to be child abuse/violence against children vs a light 'slap'. I would think that the use of a weapon (be it a belt, paddle, whip, whatever) should be out. As should hitting in excess of once. As should hitting in excess of 7 times per week. If you need to hit your child more than once a day, you're not fit to be a parent -- I don't care how difficult your children are.
And don't think that kids don't remember and don't know fear. I still remember when my Aunt smacked me hard across the face (it didn't leave a mark), and I remember my fear and confusion. A 10 year-old isn't an adult, and doesn't know what to do about that. The state should protect them.