[jambutty]

If you will not be able to smack a child in public there will be a tendency to wait until you get back home before dishing out the punishment.

Remember the ‘good old days’ of “wait till your father gets home” after mum’s patience expired. Or “wait while I get you home”. Banning smacking in public will herald the return of those days and by then the parent could well be angry, tired and just wanting a cup of tea and feet up for half an hour so the kid gets it hard and with anger.

If it comes to the last resort of a sharp slap the punishment should be meted out in a cool, calm and deliberate manner and without anger.

I’m off to watch United. Bye!