Life changes that all kids end up having to deal with normally lead to some behavior issues. Some parents have it worse than others and there are those that just do not know what to do. Currently working on the last summer before the starting school transition happens for the very first time, my normally well behaved 5 year old has needed some attitude adjustment to snap her back into shape.

While on Twitter I asked moms what they thought about spanking. Is it completely wrong to do? If not, what cases are extreme enough to give your child a swat on the behind? When does it cross the line (and yes, it can easily cross the line into abuse)? (To make things clear to all reading, I myself can count on one hand how many times I have actually had to spank my child in the last 5 years and let me tell you, the behavior to this day has not repeated itself.) Moms seem to have mixed views on the topic. Some parents share my view or they think that it is absolutely NEVER okay to do no matter what the situation is.

Spanking as a punishment should be taken very seriously especially in this day in age. You just look at your kid the wrong way in public and you have to worry about CPS/CSD (Child Protective Services/Child Services Department) knocking at your door for an investigation. Oh, and God forbid if you do share with someone that you think that spanking is okay because then you are labeled a child beater. I think that this is one of the reasons why so many parents have a hard time disciplining their children. There is a difference between a spanking as a punishment and a parent that is just simply out of control and never spanking out of anger no matter what is top priority.

Yes, children need consistency with punishment and they need routine, but what are you supposed to do when they hit the age where that just isn't going to work with them any more? Next thing you know, you have a very unruly child on your hands that does not care if they have to sit in time-out. In the end they're still going to do what they want to do. This is when I usually have to turn it up a notch and it is very rare that she gets that out of control and you know what? She gets one little pop, no marks and she doesn't' even really has any actual pain to go along with it because it's the shock of actually getting a spanking that does the trick.

So now that it's out there that I do believe in giving a spanking when it finds itself necessary, feel free to send your comments my way. Send them here or @HellenWyeth on Twitter. I'm looking forward to the input, both negative and positive cause I know it's coming.... Just remember to keep it clean please. After all, we are the adults that are supposed to be setting the good example!