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Hi Bartgroks
"Stating that another class of persons is unable to learn without beatings and subject to force at the discretion of another class of beings is to treat the former class of beings as sub-human"
NO! The issue is one of their ability to understand. Children under the age of 6 - 7 years largely cannot comprehend reasoning in the same way as an adult can. Also, the deterrent effect of being willing to smack is disproportionate to the frequency it needs to be used. As I said earlier, my kids know that I will smack them as a last resort. They have also quickly learned the warning signals that a smack or other physical intervention (such as them being physically taken to their room and shut in there) is imminent. They should do, I've made the signals as plain as I can. The result of this is that in 99.99+% of cases where they do misbehave I can stop their unacceptable behaviour BEFORE physical intervention becomes necessary.
AS I said, it's a deterrent, but unfortunately it is a double edged sword in that if the warnings are unheeded, then physical intervention must be used, otherwise the threat becomes empty. It's really all about consistency, communication with the child, and the parent staying in control both of their emotions and the situation throughout.
Mike.
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