[bajj]

I can definitely see that, red. I believe if you have a child who has had any kind of past trauma in their life, spankings could definitely be detrimental!

[nikkianni]

My brothers and I were spanked as children and we're all perfectly well adjusted (more or less), productive adults. As a matter of fact, most members of every previous generation were spanked from time to time. And they fought in world wars, negotiated peace treaties, became presidents, raised families, etc.
I totally agree that spanking is not beating. Spanking is a disciplary tool to be used at appropriate moments. Beating is a disgusting overuse of power.
Obviously these issues haven't come up with a seven month old, but eventually we'll get there. DH and I both agree that spanking will be involved in DD's discipline, but only as a last resort. I prefer the idea of sending her to her room or loss of privileges.
And to the poster who said they waited to post, I did too. I think this topic has become so charged that people are afraid to just come out and say what they think. Even on a relatively anonymous forum.

[bajj]

You are so right, Nikki. I wanted to have a "safe" discussion where we can say our views w/o being jumped on. Some feel very much that spanking is wrong under all circumstances. Some of us (myself included) don't feel that way. I think we should be able to discuss it and I also like hearing new ideas of things that might work!

[Synesthesia]

Gentle Christian Mothers - Index
This is a nice site.
They use methods of discipline that do not involve spanking or being too punative. I like that concept a lot. Plus they believe in gently guiding a child, not being permissive which is very appealing to me.