This is one of those cases where what I believe is at odds with what I do. I used to swear I would never, ever spank a child. I still don't really believe in it, but I have done it. The key I think is limited use and absolute boundaries so that it doesn't become abusive. Of course, with children not yet adopted, it is forbidden no matter what. It also depends on the child and their background. We never spanked our son. He was older, and had been brutally physically abused as a little kid. Spanking would have been ineffective at best. We have spanked both our daughters.

I am curious how many of us were spanked as children, and if that plays any role in our attitudes now. My sister and I were both spanked, though rarely. I remember that darn switch more than anything. I feared the punishment, but not my mother. If my father ever spanked me I don't remember it.