Spanking?

There are members of my family who think it's okay to spank children. Why would they do that? Why would a person hit a child? Dad paddled our butts whenever the mood hit him so why would we continue that barbaric tradition? Nieces and nephews think it's okay. No, it's not. I don't think my son was spanked more than twice and those were by his dad for setting fires with the neighbor kid. I will admit to giving my son, and now my grandchildren, a quick swat on the seat of their pants to get their attention, the same as my grandmother did me. Is that spanking? I don't think so. Spanking is being turned over someone's lap and smacked on the butt repeatedly. 

Isn't there a better way to get the point across to kids? Take away TV (please), or phone privileges or the wii or whatever else is important in their life. Give them chores to do. Keep them home from an event they want to attend. I used to send my son to his room, out of my sight. I always told him I loved him but he needed to get away from me for awhile. Go. 

The holidays are stressful and sometimes tempers flare. Kids are excited and often unruly. Remember that they're kids and we adults are the ones who are supposed to have control of them and of ourselves. Don't loose it this holiday season.