[TammyJM]

I think parenting styles are very personal and each person has their own idea of what is right and wrong. Before having my children, it never crossed my mind that I would raise my kids any different than how I was by my parents. It wasn't until I had my own babies that I knew I wanted to do things my own way. I never quite understood just how huge of a responsibility it is to nurture this little baby into becoming a wonderful human being. I just thought that hey, I turned out just fine and I was spanked or at least had the threat of it. I have 2 incredible children (ages 6 and 7) and we do not have to spank them.....they didn't even do "time-out" when they were toddlers. Don't get me wrong, I believe in being firm and I strongly believe in teaching my children that we live life knowing that there are consequences to our actions. Do they fully get this concept.....no. But they do to a certain degree and it's all about learning this as they grow and I can't do this if I cloud their minds with the fear of being hit (and I do, personally, refer to spanking as hitting). I may parent differently because one of my BIGGEST fears is that my children might someday question my love. I am tearing up at the very thought. As they have gotten older, they tend to argue with each other often so they have been doing some "time-outs" in their bedrooms. I have to tell you, I sometimes go to my bedroom and cry because I feel so guilty for using an angry tone with them. I know some will think that this is nuts and extreme on my part, but I cannot help it. I want them to ALWAYS feel my love. I am not saying that a parent that spanks doesn't want the same because I know this is just not the case. For me and my children, hitting is not necessary. I am a complete sap when it comes to my babies and, like I said, it is very important that they always feel my love. We can be driving down the highway and I will just tell them how incredible they are and how much I love them (out-of-the-blue). I do this because I have had such dear, special people in my life unexpectedly die and we just never know what life holds for us. If something were to ever happen to me, I do not want to leave this world without them knowing just how cherished they are. I cannot bring myself to lift my hand to hurt my children.

On the other side of this issue.....I do have friends that believed in spanking and I know that their children turned out great and they have wonderful relationships with them.