I Shall Never Spank My Children

I have long resolved to instill discipline in my children using words -- kind words, as much as possible -- rather than with physical punishment. I remember the first and only time I spanked Allen enough to hurt. He gave me this look filled with bewilderment and hurt, just before crying inconsolably. I could sense his feeling of being betrayed by the one person he trusted the most. I'll never forget that look, and since then I resolved never to hurt my kids out of anger, even it was intended to "discipline" them. Even though they are children, they are still human beings, capable of reasoning. They are not property or pets. I believe parents should try their best to talk to their children and explain why certain behaviors are improper. Hurting them physically only serves to encourage them to be violent and vengeful. In fact, if an adult would not like to be physically punished, why should a helpless child be subjected to such treatment?

Besides, what would you do to someone who yells at (or, God forbid, intentionally hurts) your child? If you can't take someone doing that to your children, how can you do it yourself?