[HolyHandgernade]

I don't think its a one answer fits all type of thing. I have a 16 year old daughter and a 7 year old son and we have never had to spank either one. Maybe that's just lucky, but we like to think it has a bit to do with the nature of the child and some damn fine parenting techniques!

We lay out our expectations, discuss proper ettiquette, reward with privilages, punish with restricting or removing them, and most behavioral problems are shot down with nothing more than a warning glance meant to convey that if they continue on this line, reprecussions will follow. As long as we're consistant, they know wherer the line is. We have had very little of the teenage rebellion, in fact, we get along great with her. Our son seems to be following the same path, but we are no so naive as to think nothing will trip up our happy little paradise. We just believe as long as we remain consistant and teach them how to think for themselves, the better prepared they will be to do so when such dilemas arise.

So, our philosophy has been never to spank, but it is just our philosophy. I've seen some other kids who if they were mine, I would have spanked them for their behavior. So, is that the hyper nature of the child, or some bad initial techniques by the parents which led to the more difficult to control behavior now? Always probably somewhere in between, I just believe by setting the proper expectations and rewards/punishment for disciplined behavior early often relieves the need to spank later. Just my experience.

-HH