FORUM: The Fine Line Of Discipline, Abuse

Growing up, I remember punishment being pretty harsh. Maybe not so much in my home, but I remember some pretty brutal punishments my friends got. My parents stopped spanking us at age 5, I believe. We got the belt or the sandal -- depending on the crime.

But I do remember a friend having to kneel outside in the driveway with his arms out holding a dictionary in one hand and a bible in the other, for half hour. Another friend used to have to grab a switch off the tree for her spanking. I've seen my friends get spanked with ropes, garden hoses, wooden spoon, and anything else within their parents reach. Pretty brutal.

But that's how punishment was back in the 70's and 80's. It was "normal" to catch a whooping every now and then. But then again, at that time it was legal to ride on your mommy's lap in the front seat, and legal to allow your kids to ride in the back of a pick up truck. So punishing your kids was not frowned upon.

Today is a completely different story. Just about everything is considered abuse. And all kids know the meaning of "CPS" at a very young age and when to threaten with it. But is that why our kids are so advanced and some even with no respect for authority?

How did you get punished as a kid? Was it effective? How do you believe kids should be punished today? With the spankings we got as kids, or the time outs they get now? What would you consider the border of discipline and abuse? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.