Hey Zim,

Is spanking necessary or is caring
enough? Depends on the child. One of the
most important learning experiences for a
child (IMHO) is that THEY are responsible
for their actions. They can learn this at
a very early age and once learned, you and
your wife will enjoy a better quality of
life.*G* It makes the rest of child rearing
much simpler. For some children, a time out
or temporary loss of privileges is sufficient incentive. Perhaps for some,
spanking may be necessary, but it's well
down on my list of options. Equally
important are positive strokes when the
child does well. A hug, pat on the back,
special treat, or whatever works to impress
upon the child that making good decisions is
much more pleasant than making bad ones.
Your child will learn very early the
difference between right and wrong. But the
choice he makes will depend on how well you
teach him this lesson. If you are not
consistent in your teaching or if there is
insufficient incentive one way or the other, your child may make the wrong choices in life when it really counts. It's up to you to set him on the right path and enforce it as needed. Is spanking
necessary? You tell me. It's your kid.
Warm regards, Jim