Neither DH nor I believe in smacking as discipline but having said that we have used it as a threat and have smacked out kids, feeling horrible afterwards and apologised to them for it as well. It is really really tough and yep we both know it's not the way we want to parent but last straw etc. I tend to blow up, I can feel my blood pressure rising and then yell and it is an adult tantrum for sure, today I was borderline with DD - after an hour of mucking around did NOT want to go to sleep - problem is I know if she skips her nap when already tired, all hell will break loose at around 5pm. Anyway I took a deep breath, gave her the biggest hug and whispered - hard to yell when you whisper and she relaxed, i told her I would like her to hold my hand while we slept and less than 10 minutes later she was out for 2 hours. Taught me a HUGE lesson and I really hope I keep remembering that sometimes I can get further with them with a calm cool head than a fiery temper and a smack.
I absolutely know that it isn't effective, that it shows more about me as a parent etc. but would never, ever judge someone because I have been there, have been in that space where I feel like I have no other option and am willing to try anything to try and get them to cooperate.
Last edited by Beach Mama; December 19th, 2011 at 04:18 PM.
and she relaxed, i told her I would like her to hold my hand while we slept and less than 10 minutes later she was out for 2 hours. Taught me a HUGE lesson and I really hope I keep remembering that sometimes I can get further with them with a calm cool head than a fiery temper and a smack.
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