Perfect post Nelle You've pretty much summed up what I wanted to say. I am enjoying reading this thread immensely, and it really is challenging my thoughts on discipline, at a time when my DS is really starting to need some. It's great to see that everyone is being so respectful of each other

Maybe I will change my mind on this when I've more children, and they're older (I'm sure I will actually!) but ATM I think that there are so many variables, as Nelle said. Not the least of which is that different children will respond differently to various forms of discipline. Some will laugh in the face of all attempts, while others are quite sensitive, and will be hurt at the slightest scolding. So of course, most parents will do their best to discipline their child according to what works best for them.

I agree with alot of the PPs who make excellent points for NOT smacking. That doesn't mean that I'm removing it permanently from my toolbox right now, but I will certainly rethink how we can parent differently so as to avoid smacking. I'm relieved not to have needed to do it as yet, and hope that I can say that for some time to come

There are so many posts I want to comment on, but it's late, so I'll leave it there. Again, I've really enjoyed reading ALL of your posts