That was taken too far. I think it was redkow that said it: When the dad said he hadn't gotten his licks it yet, it was for hit benefit and not the child's. I never got beat with a belt or a paddle as a kid. My dad would just back hand me on the butt or thigh. After getting that a few times, all it did was take him threaten to do it and I'd change my tune. My mom used to smack me on the head with her wedding ring, not abusive like or anything, just enough to change my thinking. She did it by accident one time and then realized it worked. No, they never abused me and I don't regret what they did. My daughter only gets spanked when it's serious, and it's never for my benefit or enjoyment. My wife and I, being prior army, tend to take a bit of a different approach then most. She usually gets to do some physical training; push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks, etc. Never enough to hurt her, but enough for her to change her thinking at the time. It also tends to calm her down because her mind is somewhere other than what she did wrong and she's also getting stronger. She is very well disciplined and I trust her more than I trust many 8 year olds (she's 4).