I think you should add anger to the list of things that turns a spanking into abuse. If you've let your kid get under your skin and you respond with a swat you've crossed a line. I always approached spanking by first telling them what they had done to warrant a spanking and always expressed regret that their behaviour had brought them to this point.
Parenting for those who chose to have children, is probably one of the most important things we will do as adults. You won't find too many Seniors in old folks homes who will rattle on and on about their former careers or the vacations they've been on. Usually you hear about they're children and grand babies. Our kids are our gift to the world. Most parents are sensitive about criticism about their parenting. Parenting is a very personal thing. That's why I worry about these studies that come around from time to time that try to paint one method of parenting as harmful. They are produced by people promoting their own view of parenting; People who are not tolerant of other methods. These biased studies could be the basis for justifying legislation that lets the State tell parents how to raise their children. All they need to do is redefine the word "abuse" and all of a sudden millions of parents become criminals or lose the ability to decide what is best for their own children. Liberal fascism at its best.
