Julielai wrote:

I'm not saying corporal punishment is right, but I don't see coproal punishment to be any more harmful to a child than other ill-judged things a parent may say or do. Children aren't eggshells; they're stronger than we think and most will manage to become perfectly fine adults...

What other ill-judged things that a parent may say or do is on par with physical assault?

Stannum 

Seriously?

How about saying "You're worthless," "You're stupid," "You'll never amount to anything." I think repeated negatives messages like these are far, far worse than an occasional swat on the bottom to keep a child from doing something like run into the street or something else that could be dangerous to the child.

Grammar Geek wrote:

What other ill-judged things that a parent may say or do is on par with physical assault? Seriously? How about saying "You're worthless," "You're stupid," "You'll never amount to anything." I think repeated negatives messages like these are far, far worse than an occasional swat on the bottom to keep a child from doing something like run into the street or something else that could be dangerous to the child.

You can use as many euphemisms like spank or swat or slap.  The end result is still a physical blow delivered by someone far bigger and stronger than the child and in a position of total authority over the child.

Why is the use of coropral punishment not allowed to be used on adults yet it is defended as being somehow acceptable to use on children?

Stannum

To look at this in a broader context, we are basically arguing over positive vs. negative reinforcement.

In my home country, the older generation was brought up in the "spanking/scolding/ridiculing" parental philosophy.  They scolded and spanked their kids (yes, that includes saying things like "you're so stupid"), yet many of these kids turned out just fine.  But the downside is this: those with lower EQs or who thrive more on positive reinforcement may not get the encouragement they need to excel in life.

Now look at, say, Americans, who believe mainly in positive reinforcement (ie. no spanking, no ridiculing, etc.). This is the carrot approach. It works well all in all, though I think these parents shield their kids so much from physical or emotional harm they may not grow up with a chance to learn to handle bruised feelings or frustrations. They may end up being eggshells because their parents treated them so. Also, kids who grow up with too many compliments may end up cocky.

I have an American friend who has a disciplinarian type for a father. Knowing my friend, I think he would have done better in life had his parents given him more encouragement. However, that type of parenting would be just fine with someone like my brother, who loves to be pushed.

I think a smart parent will know when to give a carrot and when to use the stick and how not to use each to excess.