Though some contend any form of physical correction equates to child abuse, there is a giant chasm between a mild spanking properly administered out of love and an out-of-control adult venting their emotions by physically abusing a child. Unfortunately, each of us enters this world with desires that are selfish, unkind, and harmful to others and ourselves. It is vital, however, that spanking be administered within proper guidelines. The reports about the punishment meted out by Peterson to his son, and the consequent injuries his son suffered, indicate his behavior on that occasion was far outside those boundaries. These kinds of experiences are why this whole issue is fraught with controversy — a child should never be abused.

The short answer is no. When your child misbehaves or acts in defiant, inappropriate, or even dangerous ways, you want to show him his behavior is unacceptable and must change. Spanking may seem like a direct and effective way to do that, but it delivers other messages you don't want to send:. That's a natural question.

Because the maddening truth at the heart of trying to discipline toddler age kids is that, in this developmental phase, parents and not kids are actually the ones who need discipline. Toddlers are agents of chaos. And that exploration can be frustrating for observers. When defiant toddlers throw their bottles, frustrated parents often turn to parenting expert Catherine Pearlman, author of the book Ignore It! Meanwhile, ineffective discipline can exacerbate parental frustration — which can result in yelling.