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Question: do you spank your kids? Answer: Not anymore - they're all teenagers now. But I did when they were little. My cut-off is when they're old enough to reason with. Spanking, done properly and used sparingly, is effective as a behavior deterrent, but it's not right for every situation or every child. Some children respond better to positive reinforcement, some don't. SOme situations call for a real attention-getting measure, like dangerous situations. I spanked my daughter for things like playing with power sockets, running in the street, etc. -- after I'd already told her not to do those things. SHe needed her attention focused totally on those things. I also did it for outright defiance. But if at all possible, I reasoned with her, or gave more creative punishments like writing a report on a relevant subject or constructive ones like washing my car or sweeping the porch. WHether you spank or not, whatever punishment you choose has to be consistent and balanced to the crime; otherwise, you're wasting your time punishing them at all.