[redwitch]

Sometimes, yes. Given a choice between having a toddler constantly reaching for a hot stove and a quick swat on the rear to convince him not to, I'll got for the quick swat. There is no excuse for using corporeal punishment in anger. If you're going to use, use it fairly and to truly get a message across.

I was spanked by my father three times in my life. I remember each one vividly. He got his message across. Of course, normally, all he ever had to do was look at me and I'd quit misbehaving. My brother you could have beaten within an inch of his life and all he would have learned was that you were bigger and could hurt more. For him, my father used a lot of time outs and groundings. They had their effect.

I don't believe a spanking is the best answer, but I can understand a parent using it. I'd much rather see a child spanked than see it verbally beaten down or tortured in some other manner in the guise of a consequence/punishment.