It's really interesting to read all these points of view, I think it's really good to be challenged about why I smack, do I smack just because my parents did, could I discipline other ways?

I like reading about people who have found other ways to discipline because smacking doesn't work for them or their kids - I am incredibly encouraged that we are so thoughful about how we teach lessons to our children.

Just a side note, I'm not sure about the comparison between smacking a child and smacking a friend - because it's not our job to discipline our friends, but it's our responsibility to discipline our children.
I do believe that we should treat children with the same respect that we show our friends (as long as we really really respect our friends!). But I think you can show respect and use smacking for discipline - in my experience anyway, I have always felt respected and valued by my parents, who occasionally smacked my when I was younger. Anyway.

I would love to come back in a few years time when my children are older and say 'nope, I don't smack!' That is what I'm aiming for. But right now, as it is, a stern NO elicits a grin, and explaining patiently in simple terms again and again starts to get through after quite a few explanations, if I'm consistent. But since there are some lessons that I feel need to be learned faster (ones that involve his safety, like turning on the hot tap or playing with cords), a smack in conjunction with a simple instruction is still an option for us.

I really am glad that people are reluctant to smack, those of us who do need to take a lot of things into consideration, check to make sure we're not smacking (or yelling or withdrawing priviledges for that mattter) out of anger or frustration, make sure that there are no alternative more effective options, make sure our kids are secure in our love and don't fear us.
I do understand that by that criteria, some people will say, well nobody should smack.

I hope no-one thinks I'm particularly arguing for smacking - I really think there are so many variables, and each parent needs to determine what is the best option for their family according to those variables.
I also hope that people who do smack in a self-controlled, loving, teaching, accountable context don't feel like the bad guys here.
Furthermore, I hope that anyone who does smack with a negative motivation will be challenged to re-think their behaviour and find someone to be accountable to, because as we've heard from others' experiences, you need to avoid that pattern of behaviour for your family's sake, including yourself. We're all learning as we go, maybe even someone from the BellyBelly 'village' can help out.

So. Another short essay there. I just want to say again, I am so encouraged that people are taking the care to think about these things, and I'm also encouraged that we've stayed so respectful of each other. I really am glad to be a part of these forums.