[WillowTheWhisp]

I accept that not smacking and reasoning with their child works for some people. I also understand that it's totally impossible to reason with a toddler having a hysterical tantrum. I do not accept that a smack is child abuse and that when done in a controlled way and not hitting out in a fit of anger it is not violence. Perhaps people have a different conception of what a smack is. Although I accept that some people choose not to smack and find that for them it works, it doesn't work for everyone as not all children are the same and I do believe a lot of problems arise when people have been forbidden to reprimand their children in the way that works for that child.

I agree with Margaret that it can be far more damaging to a child to be yelled at into their face and to be told they are stupid, ignorant etc etc. Some parents who are so proud of their non-violent way of disciplining their child just don't realise that they may have done far more long term psychological damage by undermining the child's self esteem with yelling at them in anger. A smack followed by a cuddle shows that you love the child but not what they did. I've cringed sometimes when I've heard some parents swearing at and verbally abusing their children in public.