[musicmom]

Originally Posted by NaNaJennifer

Good point. My language was as strong as it was because I am referring to parents who regularly use physical violence (and hitting someone is violent) instead of taking the time to teach and guide their kids. I've had friends who felt it was fine to slap their child's face, pull their hair, and leave marks after a spanking.

I believe that a swat here and there can escalate into this kind of behavior and is best to avoid physical punishments. I also know that there is overwhelming evidence and expert opinions that agree with me.

PS: And if our kids are going to have a future at all...we all better start hugging more trees!

I give mine a swat here and there and so do several of my dear friends who have awesome kids and none of us have ever "escalated".
I don't think children should be hit in the face, or have hair pulled that's just abuse in my book. If I were to see an adult do that to a child in public I would say something to that parent and I have done it before. This is another reason I am looking into Gaurdian ad litum.