Spanking and physical discipline: what are your thoughts?

Scott Cox56 said:Way to go! 👍 It’s one thing when you’re dealing with those little little ones, but these wild ones... they're a whole different story.

I mean, I guess everything just comes down to how you're handling things with such a tight schedule. 🤣 😁

Yeah, we definitely moved too fast That’s exactly my point—she could literally go on a rampage from sunrise to sunset whenever she gets that itch, and they wouldn't have a clue who she is or what she's actually doing. They don't give a damn if they end up being around or not once she jams that tweezers into the damn socket. And tomorrow? They'll try it again. And the day after. Until one day they finally listen to me. Or the laws of physics.
At least they won't be left feeling discouraged or totally checked out from the world just because they haven't been punished for—get this—being curious and wanting to explore.

Mark Martin10 said:I read this entire thread from start to finish, and honestly, I’m asking you—do us all a favor: stop being such a prick, find a deep hole to crawl into, and stay there. There isn't a polite way to tell you that you're a complete jerk.

I can give you my address, so why don't you swing by? Let's see how much of a tough guy you actually are when you have to go toe-to-toe with a guy over 220 pounds. We'll see if you're really the big man you think you are when it comes to hitting kids.

Look, I was getting beaten regularly when I was just a kid. I eventually let it go because I honestly can’t carry that kind of weight around anymore. But deep down? I have nothing but pure contempt for anyone who thinks they have the right to lay a hand on someone weaker—especially kids. Your bullshit really hit a nerve, though. It pissed me off.

Look, I have the right to choose how I raise my own kid. There's no such thing as a perfect parenting method—every kid reacts differently—there are just guidelines and advice out there. I don't even want to comment on anything else, unless you really want me to surprise you...

George Davis6 said:I actually included the link in my previous post! But honestly, it seems like you—being the one who started this whole thread (let's call it what it is: a little bit of sadomasochism from someone who clearly enjoys inflicting pain)—only bother reading things that fit your own narrative.

Masochists are people too, you know. I'm a masochist myself—am I a loser because of it? Am I contagious? Do I not have rights regarding my own child...?
Everyone interprets things their own way, and that's also an individual's right to discuss...

Ashley Bailey75 said:Based on that theory, at what age does hitting a kid on the butt or flicking their fingers actually start working?

Because mine don't get anything—they’re basically just 2 and 5 pounds of pure chaos right now. I could literally smack them 300 times a day and they’d still just keep charging at the outlets, the windows, or their own noses. Honestly, they just laugh in my face while they're tossing a hair dryer into a seashell or kicking things across the floor. Judging by their reaction, they've already got enough drama going on; just moving them away from the "crime scene" is enough work. I don't think a slap on the butt would change a damn thing. Realistically, they wouldn't even feel it through a diaper unless I kicked them hard enough to send them flying a yard away—hahaha, sorry, my dark humor is showing. Just kidding, but seriously, physical punishment makes zero sense to me.

With the older one, there’s a tiny bit of progress—that constant loop of "no, no, can't do that, that's dangerous." There really comes a moment where he realizes I’m being consistent for once and that things aren't going to go his way. I can be lenient with some stuff—sometimes I'll let him scream his head off before I give in—but eventually, being persistent helps knock some sense into him, so I'm staying optimistic about the future. He also picks up on my tone when I decide I'm not going to dress him too fast or argue with him. Most days are still a tug-of-war, though—he's still little. But I guarantee you, no amount of hitting is going to teach him anything. To actually work, it would have to hurt, and if it hurts that much, it's just causing internal damage. To him, a swat on the butt means nothing; he’ll keep doing whatever he wants until I physically stop him, because his fixations are stronger than anything else. Well, except maybe my 110 lbs of pure fury, muahaha.

Kids do this because they're craving attention. They love exploring the world and they totally live for getting a reaction out of you. When they make a mess, they know it'll force you to focus on them, and they realize they have this power to basically manipulate you (your emotions, your reactions, and your need for control).

Besides just removing the things they might break or hurt themselves with, maybe try controlling your own reactions? Or maybe lean into that urge to control things a bit less and try putting them on a sort of "ignore" mode. Sooner or later, they'll figure out that their attention-seeking tactics aren't working anymore. It's pretty tough at first and it's not a magic fix for everyone, but man... the results are worth it.

Ashley Bailey75 said:Yeah, we definitely moved too fast That’s exactly my point—she could literally go on a rampage from sunrise to sunset whenever she gets that itch, and they wouldn't have a clue who she is or what she's actually doing. They don't give a damn if they end up being around or not once she jams that tweezers into the damn socket. And tomorrow? They'll try it again. And the day after. Until one day they finally listen to me. Or the laws of physics.
At least they won't be left feeling discouraged or totally checked out from the world just because they haven't been punished for—get this—being curious and wanting to explore.

Good grief, those kids of yours are lucky to be alive if they're smashing plates, flushing hair dryers down the toilet, and sticking tweezers in electrical outlets. My kid never got a spanking, but then again, they never did anything like that. Honestly, maybe you should give them a little swat on the backside now and then; it’s certainly better than having them drop dead from an electric shock because of a hairdryer in the tub or an outlet mishap.

So, she’s staring at the china cabinet like she’s actually gonna pull a plate out. Like, does she realize that thing is basically a grenade waiting to go off? One wrong move and we’re looking at a thousand shards on the floor. I'm not exactly jumping in to save her—she’s been living under my roof for a year and still hasn't figured out how to handle herself. Sure, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but let’s be real: they’re walking hazards. My job is just to set up enough guardrails so they can poke around without breaking everything, while I play it cool until the lesson finally sinks in.

Ashley Bailey75 said:So, she’s staring at the china cabinet like she’s actually gonna pull a plate out. Like, does she realize that thing is basically a grenade waiting to go off? One wrong move and we’re looking at a thousand shards on the floor. I'm not exactly jumping in to save her—she’s been living under my roof for a year and still hasn't figured out how to handle herself. Sure, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but let’s be real: they’re walking hazards. My job is just to set up enough guardrails so they can poke around without breaking everything, while I play it cool until the lesson finally sinks in.

I actually used rubber bands to tie the kitchen cabinets shut (you know, where you loop them around two handles so they can't open), mostly because they're so low down and easy to reach. As for the electrical outlets, I constantly watch her to make sure she doesn't get too close, though I've blocked most of them off by placing furniture right in front of them. I also cleared all the chairs and tables off the balcony so she won't try to climb up and jump; I heard about this one four-year-old who climbed onto a table and leaped right over the railing...
And I’ve been moving all the small stuff from the lower cabinets to higher shelves so nothing gets grabbed and thrown across the house.
If you're dealing with more than one kid, I imagine trying to manage all of this at once and keeping an eye on everything they touch is an absolute nightmare.

Kenneth Barnes4 said:I’m posting in psychology because I can't stand watching a bunch of moms jump to defend their kids.

Nowadays, modern psychology loves pushing this "no physical punishment" stance. Let's check out this video. Parents keep insisting kids know they shouldn't go with strangers, so why does this even happen?

It's theory. Kids are born with zero knowledge about how the world actually works. When parents say, "there will be bad consequences," the kid CANNOT visualize those consequences because they have no prior experience with them. Basically, parents are just talking to thin air and wasting their breath. They achieve nothing.
Kids are also selfish. So, when we use physical discipline, here’s what happens: when a kid finds themselves in a situation that might lead to bad outcomes, they remember they'll get punished—meaning they'll end up in a bad spot (because of the parent). That’s what they’ve experienced, so that's what they avoid. That's how you control a child to teach them what to avoid and what not to.

Sure, people will cry "violence, boohoo," but the fact is, people who want to beat and abuse their kids are going to do it regardless of what some textbook says is allowed. My support for physical discipline has nothing to do with child abuse; it’s just an easier way to steer them toward a better outcome.

Bottom line: kids decide based on how they feel in the moment. Look at a dog—it's cute, so they want to see it more because it's fun. But the idea that "a stranger might hurt you" is impossible for them to grasp.

Here's another one: You want cookies? Yes. NO, THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES. AGAIN. You want cookies? Yes.

Zero impact and zero understanding without lived experience.

Regarding that second video—it looks like the kid is just mechanically memorizing the word "no." After a few minutes, you can tell the technique is already starting to lose its effectiveness. At that age, it seems like the best way to go, but hey, maybe I haven't stumbled upon a better method yet. Is there actually a better approach out there that isn't so brain-numbing for a toddler?
Maybe telling really engaging stories? 🤔

If they get too stuck on the word "no," wouldn't the kid "supposedly" start feeling some discomfort during those increasingly intense attempts to turn "no" into "yes"—and then react accordingly?

I can see the kid distinguishing the emotional vibe between "yes, I want that" and "no."

I don't see any reason why a kid should be getting smacked in either scenario.

As far as I'm concerned, this could be the key to the whole thing. PLEASE.

Hang on, just one more thought and I'm done with this thread... 🐔

The reason for the "smack"?
If I'm constantly repeating myself and explaining things—like, say, telling them not to stick their fingers in an outlet, or not to pull off the safety cover, or not to push a piece of furniture away from the wall with a sibling's help just so they can play with the outlet together... and if the kid just decides they aren't listening... then, seeing that "inappropriate" behavior, I might give them a little "tap" on the fingers. No anger, no rage, no frustration (especially since they interrupted me during a super important moment). Looking back, that tap would be more about grabbing their attention than being a "punishment." 🤔
And if they're *that* interested in electricity... uhm... honestly, I am too—we can be curious together. 🕺 Fire, knives, sharp edges... all that stuff...
Curiosity first, safety always! 🧐

And yeah, that's pretty much it.

Donna White50 said:Look, I have the right to choose how I raise my own kid. There's no such thing as a perfect parenting method—every kid reacts differently—there are just guidelines and advice out there. I don't even want to comment on anything else, unless you really want me to surprise you...

Masochists are people too, you know. I'm a masochist myself—am I a loser because of it? Am I contagious? Do I not have rights regarding my own child...?
Everyone interprets things their own way, and that's also an individual's right to discuss...

I honestly don't get why you're still hanging around here. Who are you trying to convince—that hitting kids is actually "good parenting"? You’re basically just a potential abuser, and there's really no point in debating someone like you. You heard what needed to be said.

If you ever decide to lay a hand on a child, go ahead and do it in public. Let everyone see what a "great" father you are. Just pray you don't run into someone like me.

Peter Murphy6 said:Regarding that second video—it looks like the kid is just mechanically memorizing the word "no." After a few minutes, you can tell the technique is already starting to lose its effectiveness. At that age, it seems like the best way to go, but hey, maybe I haven't stumbled upon a better method yet. Is there actually a better approach out there that isn't so brain-numbing for a toddler?
Maybe telling really engaging stories? 🤔

If they get too stuck on the word "no," wouldn't the kid "supposedly" start feeling some discomfort during those increasingly intense attempts to turn "no" into "yes"—and then react accordingly?

I can see the kid distinguishing the emotional vibe between "yes, I want that" and "no."

I don't see any reason why a kid should be getting smacked in either scenario.

As far as I'm concerned, this could be the key to the whole thing. PLEASE.

Hang on, just one more thought and I'm done with this thread... 🐔

The reason for the "smack"?
If I'm constantly repeating myself and explaining things—like, say, telling them not to stick their fingers in an outlet, or not to pull off the safety cover, or not to push a piece of furniture away from the wall with a sibling's help just so they can play with the outlet together... and if the kid just decides they aren't listening... then, seeing that "inappropriate" behavior, I might give them a little "tap" on the fingers. No anger, no rage, no frustration (especially since they interrupted me during a super important moment). Looking back, that tap would be more about grabbing their attention than being a "punishment." 🤔
And if they're *that* interested in electricity... uhm... honestly, I am too—we can be curious together. 🕺 Fire, knives, sharp edges... all that stuff...
Curiosity first, safety always! 🧐

And yeah, that's pretty much it.

Yeah, this isn't an experiment; it's pure sensationalism. (And let's be honest, even some of the most famous sociological studies didn't follow ethical principles or scientific methodology, but that's a whole other conversation.) Basically, it's blatant clickbait designed to trigger an emotional response using the cheapest methods possible.

After watching junk like this, it's hard to think straight. A mature person will want to wash their brain out with Clorox, while someone less mature will jump at the chance to spread moral panic. The opening post is a perfect illustration of that principle.

(Another cultural observation—those American moms are mostly Botoxed into looking unrecognizable. Sure, they look great now, but they have one issue: they can't frown. In fact, they can't really manage any serious facial expression at all. And as we've established, a child perceives a parent's facial expressions much more intensely than their words.)

Mark Martin10 said:I honestly don't get why you're still hanging around here. Who are you trying to convince—that hitting kids is actually "good parenting"? You’re basically just a potential abuser, and there's really no point in debating someone like you. You heard what needed to be said.

If you ever decide to lay a hand on a child, go ahead and do it in public. Let everyone see what a "great" father you are. Just pray you don't run into someone like me.

Setting this specific case aside, I’ve noticed that people who enjoy being masochists seem to have quite a tendency toward this kind of thinking. ☕

electricnomad8 said:I have a question regarding the second part of this thread's title. I’m increasingly finding myself witnessing children screaming for absolutely no reason. Is it a parenting issue? I recently read about a restaurant owner in Australia who actually boosted their revenue by banning parents with screaming kids. It sounds crazy, but it works. Kids just didn't scream like this back in the day. That used to be a core part of how we were raised—learning not to disturb others. Is this just a "trend" now? Is it the influence of movies where kids are constantly screaming too? Or are these children simply being neglected and frustrated without anyone noticing?

It would be freaking awesome if this "trend" spread across America and all of Europe, including dedicated childfree hotels, apartment complexes, and cafes.
Look, kids are always going to be loud, maybe not in a fancy restaurant, but they're out there shrieking on the streets and acting hysterical at people's houses too! 👎

Ashley Bailey75 said:My oldest (2.5 years old) keeps pushing his little sister (1 year old)—and honestly, "a few times" is an understatement, he’s constantly picking on her out of pure jealousy, and she’s actually ended up with a split lip a couple of times. When she really caught it this time, I totally lost it—I snapped at him right in his face and screamed. I just hit my breaking point with the constant bickering and the two of them teaming up against my sanity, plus seeing the blood genuinely terrified me.
The thing is, he hasn't stopped pushing her, but now he’s added aggressive screaming and getting in people's faces whenever he doesn't get his way. He picked up on my outburst immediately, which honestly stressed me out even more and really gave me something to chew on.

He’s a sensitive kid, though, and I can tell my reaction really shook him. I think physical discipline is super counterproductive, but I get where those impulses come from. Still, kids shouldn't have to be the punching bags for our own lapses in judgment.

So what am I supposed to do when he just keeps doing whatever he wants?

ruggedmarlin18 said:So what am I supposed to do when he just keeps doing whatever he wants?

Yeah, let me know when you find out. Honestly, I was banking on him just figuring it out—everyone kept telling me, "Eh, it’s a tiny difference, they'll basically be twins." And everything was fine until the baby actually started acting like a little person and interacting. Now? It's a total mess.

Ashley Bailey75 said:Yeah, let me know when you find out. Honestly, I was banking on him just figuring it out—everyone kept telling me, "Eh, it’s a tiny difference, they'll basically be twins." And everything was fine until the baby actually started acting like a little person and interacting. Now? It's a total mess.

Children have to learn respect for their parents first and foremost. But here’s the catch: you can’t expect that if you aren't modeling respect for them first. And if you want them to respect one another, you need peace in the house. Peace isn't going to happen when kids are screaming through the halls, brawling with each other, and you're reacting by losing your cool—leading to a cycle where everyone is shouting, blood pressure is spiking, and you're all just draining yourselves into nothingness. It's a downward spiral that leaves you as a frustrated, burnt-out mother and turns them into impossible, unruly, wild little things.

There is a dead-simple solution to keeping this whole situation from spiraling out of control: tire them out through play.
That means getting them out of the house so they can run wild and actually be what they should be—happy, smiling, energetic kids.
Only then can you start setting boundaries—for example, "we eat dinner first, then we go outside." Once you get back home, the rules kick in: cleaning up toys, bath time, or whatever specific routine you've established. Let the older ones set the tone for the younger ones, and talk to them constantly. Sit them down and explain that grabbing plates isn't a joke, and that as their mom, you're genuinely worried about them getting hurt. Explain it at their level, but stay calm and serious; keep it to a few sentences or weave it into a story. And do it when they are calm—otherwise, you're just pouring gasoline on the fire.

If you're working and coming home late, give them something productive to do at home.
The internet is packed with educational entertainment for every age group imaginable.
Before bed, kill the TV. Bathe them, settle them down so they actually feel sleepy, rather than letting their adrenaline spike from cartoons, leaving them wired, cranky, and too hyper to even think about sleeping.
Read to them, tell them stories, map out tomorrow's schedule together, or just talk about how the day went.
And for heaven's sake, don't raise your voice. Try to strike the word "No!" from your vocabulary entirely.
I don't even use that tone with my dog. That should be reserved strictly for moments of genuine danger or warning.
If a kid starts heading toward the china cabinet, call them gently by name and ask if they remember the agreement regarding the cabinets. Walk over to the child, open the cabinet, and look inside together. Explain what each piece of dishware is; show them a few times in that manner, and believe me, they'll lose interest before you can even blink, and the problem will vanish.

Joseph Bailey41 said:Yeah, this isn't an experiment; it's pure sensationalism. (And let's be honest, even some of the most famous sociological studies didn't follow ethical principles or scientific methodology, but that's a whole other conversation.) Basically, it's blatant clickbait designed to trigger an emotional response using the cheapest methods possible.

After watching junk like this, it's hard to think straight. A mature person will want to wash their brain out with Clorox, while someone less mature will jump at the chance to spread moral panic. The opening post is a perfect illustration of that principle.

(Another cultural observation—those American moms are mostly Botoxed into looking unrecognizable. Sure, they look great now, but they have one issue: they can't frown. In fact, they can't really manage any serious facial expression at all. And as we've established, a child perceives a parent's facial expressions much more intensely than their words.)

Right, and two major ones immediately come to mind for me too. It makes me wonder if there’s an alternative way to get similar (maybe even better?) results without totally shredding human integrity. Like, is there a solution that doesn't rely on manipulation—something that isn't just studying people through "extractive" techniques? Instead of actually stepping outside oneself, it’s more like scientists performing a twisted kind of self-study... because that's how you basically dismantle morality and ethics.

Through this thread and plenty of others, I'm noticing more and more how people construct justifications for whatever behavior they want to engage in—from moms to the people who were just watching the video to those who actively participated (me included).

(Another cultural thing here—most American moms are basically Botoxed into looking unrecognizable. Sure, they look "pretty" now, but there's a catch—they can't even frown. Seriously, they can barely make a real facial expression. And since we already established that kids pick up on parental facial cues way more intensely than they do on words...)

😬 This scene feels like something straight out of a parody 🕺

They’re taking aim at a woman's "greatest asset"—her beauty. (Would it be too far-fetched to say it's also about the fear of aging, death, fading away, or just being unnoticed/non-existent? That's pretty universal for both genders, right?)
The kid doesn't even need to see an emotional expression via facial movements or anything else; the parental goal here seems to be teaching the child how to hide emotions rather than how to actually deal with them.
"Strength" is all about the facade, not freedom. The better the facade looks, the better you "get by."

So, in the name of belonging, let's fight for the use of Botox! Long live beauty! (Though I have a feeling none of this actually has much to do with true beauty)🎉 ( 🐔 )

Daniel Alvarez7 said:Children have to learn respect for their parents first and foremost. But here’s the catch: you can’t expect that if you aren't modeling respect for them first. And if you want them to respect one another, you need peace in the house. Peace isn't going to happen when kids are screaming through the halls, brawling with each other, and you're reacting by losing your cool—leading to a cycle where everyone is shouting, blood pressure is spiking, and you're all just draining yourselves into nothingness. It's a downward spiral that leaves you as a frustrated, burnt-out mother and turns them into impossible, unruly, wild little things.

There is a dead-simple solution to keeping this whole situation from spiraling out of control: tire them out through play.
That means getting them out of the house so they can run wild and actually be what they should be—happy, smiling, energetic kids.
Only then can you start setting boundaries—for example, "we eat dinner first, then we go outside." Once you get back home, the rules kick in: cleaning up toys, bath time, or whatever specific routine you've established. Let the older ones set the tone for the younger ones, and talk to them constantly. Sit them down and explain that grabbing plates isn't a joke, and that as their mom, you're genuinely worried about them getting hurt. Explain it at their level, but stay calm and serious; keep it to a few sentences or weave it into a story. And do it when they are calm—otherwise, you're just pouring gasoline on the fire.

If you're working and coming home late, give them something productive to do at home.
The internet is packed with educational entertainment for every age group imaginable.
Before bed, kill the TV. Bathe them, settle them down so they actually feel sleepy, rather than letting their adrenaline spike from cartoons, leaving them wired, cranky, and too hyper to even think about sleeping.
Read to them, tell them stories, map out tomorrow's schedule together, or just talk about how the day went.
And for heaven's sake, don't raise your voice. Try to strike the word "No!" from your vocabulary entirely.
I don't even use that tone with my dog. That should be reserved strictly for moments of genuine danger or warning.
If a kid starts heading toward the china cabinet, call them gently by name and ask if they remember the agreement regarding the cabinets. Walk over to the child, open the cabinet, and look inside together. Explain what each piece of dishware is; show them a few times in that manner, and believe me, they'll lose interest before you can even blink, and the problem will vanish.

Look, I get the theory behind all this—it makes sense on paper. But honestly? There are way too many times where I just can't deal. I can't be expected to react perfectly every single time just so they finally "get it" or learn their lesson. It’s exhausting. And when those gray, freezing rainy days hit? That's when it really sucks. Especially when I'm flying solo because my husband is stuck working 12-hour shifts, I've got a baby who isn't even walking yet, and a toddler who basically decides he's done with life halfway through our walk. We're basically sentenced to house arrest.
I get where the frustration is coming from—mine and theirs. Look, I’m not some perfect mom, and I’m certainly not trying to be. I’ve taken the advice to heart and I put it into practice every single day, but let's be real—life happens. It's impossible to manage everything unless I'm hovering over them 24/7, breathing down their necks and pouring every ounce of my energy into micromanaging their every move. That's just not how it works.
If someone actually manages to stay perfectly calm while dealing with two toddlers who—between them—only weigh about 30 pounds, and everything is somehow running like clockwork day in and day out? Honestly, hats off to them. But let’s be real—people like that don't exist. They just don't. Those are kids we're talking about. They’re little chaos agents; they think of everything, and none of it is good. Me? I'm only human. I lose my cool at least once in a blue moon and end up yelling. It happens.

Look, things aren't exactly a circus at my place—no screaming matches, no total chaos, no disrespect or whatever. We’re just your typical American family with two little ones. Actually, maybe even a bit unconventional compared to the neighbors, considering how much time I spend hands-on with them. They've got everything they need to just be kids, you know? But yeah, they have their moments—their little outbursts and moods—just like I do. Honestly, it doesn't bother me one bit; I actually get where it's coming from.

(Aside from him pushing his sister around—I honestly can’t get that out of my head.)

Ashley Bailey75 said:Look, I get the theory behind all this—it makes sense on paper. But honestly? There are way too many times where I just can't deal. I can't be expected to react perfectly every single time just so they finally "get it" or learn their lesson. It’s exhausting. And when those gray, freezing rainy days hit? That's when it really sucks. Especially when I'm flying solo because my husband is stuck working 12-hour shifts, I've got a baby who isn't even walking yet, and a toddler who basically decides he's done with life halfway through our walk. We're basically sentenced to house arrest.
I get where the frustration is coming from—mine and theirs. Look, I’m not some perfect mom, and I’m certainly not trying to be. I’ve taken the advice to heart and I put it into practice every single day, but let's be real—life happens. It's impossible to manage everything unless I'm hovering over them 24/7, breathing down their necks and pouring every ounce of my energy into micromanaging their every move. That's just not how it works.
If someone actually manages to stay perfectly calm while dealing with two toddlers who—between them—only weigh about 30 pounds, and everything is somehow running like clockwork day in and day out? Honestly, hats off to them. But let’s be real—people like that don't exist. They just don't. Those are kids we're talking about. They’re little chaos agents; they think of everything, and none of it is good. Me? I'm only human. I lose my cool at least once in a blue moon and end up yelling. It happens.

Look, things aren't exactly a circus at my place—no screaming matches, no total chaos, no disrespect or whatever. We’re just your typical American family with two little ones. Actually, maybe even a bit unconventional compared to the neighbors, considering how much time I spend hands-on with them. They've got everything they need to just be kids, you know? But yeah, they have their moments—their little outbursts and moods—just like I do. Honestly, it doesn't bother me one bit; I actually get where it's coming from.

(Aside from him pushing his sister around—I honestly can’t get that out of my head.)

My apologies; I didn't mean to offend you, nor did I imply that you are a bad or impatient parent.
I was merely suggesting that all this chaos can be managed without reaching those levels of total exhaustion and yelling—or worse, the hitting, slapping, grabbing, or sudden jerking motions I see some parents resort to.
It is quite simple: you get out what you put in.
That was just the condensed version of my previous point.

Mark Martin10 said:I honestly don't get why you're still hanging around here. Who are you trying to convince—that hitting kids is actually "good parenting"? You’re basically just a potential abuser, and there's really no point in debating someone like you. You heard what needed to be said.

If you ever decide to lay a hand on a child, go ahead and do it in public. Let everyone see what a "great" father you are. Just pray you don't run into someone like me.

You'd be better off not running into me on the street—you wouldn't walk away happy.
There’s a massive difference between lashing out at a child and a little discipline, and if you can't tell that apart, that's on you...

Joseph Bailey41 said:Setting this specific case aside, I’ve noticed that people who enjoy being masochists seem to have quite a tendency toward this kind of thinking. ☕

A masochist and a sadist are really just two sides of the same coin, depending on how you look at it.

Parents hit their kids because they're at their breaking point. Very few parents actually enjoy being violent—they do it when a kid pushes them so far past the edge that they lose all control and resort to yelling or physical stuff. Why? Because they don't know any other way to parent, maybe they have a lot of mental health struggles, or they just don't know how to handle life... It's a sad reality for families struggling to make ends meet. Most people with steady jobs and decent paylines have access to resources—they can afford daycare, a nanny, or a therapist... But when someone loses it, they make really impulsive decisions.

I honestly couldn't bring myself to ever lay a hand on a child. It would feel like I was breaking some fundamental law of nature or something. To me, there’s just nothing more unnatural than someone stronger using their power to hit someone weaker.

Daniel Alvarez7 said:My apologies; I didn't mean to offend you, nor did I imply that you are a bad or impatient parent.
I was merely suggesting that all this chaos can be managed without reaching those levels of total exhaustion and yelling—or worse, the hitting, slapping, grabbing, or sudden jerking motions I see some parents resort to.
It is quite simple: you get out what you put in.
That was just the condensed version of my previous point.

Honestly, I think you just have to ride out the jealousy phase. My job right now is just to handle it as best I can and teach my kid when they're actually crossing a line.
The other stuff I mentioned was mostly me exaggerating to make a point about how useless hitting is. Even though things get crazy sometimes—like when they're hungry and tired and fighting over the same toy all at once—at the end of the day, it's on me. They end up happy, fed, clean, and sleeping like babies (which is the total opposite of ).
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of long, exhausting, miserable days and sketchy moments where I just need to yell, ignore them, or be a terrible mom for a minute just to stay sane.
Anyway, I rambled too much—TL;DR: I get what you're saying and I agree, but you really don't need to lecture me on it.