Repose of St. Innocent

I was asked by a parishioner at Church to answer the following questions based on my position about corporal punishment and raising children. I'd be interested to hear your point of view.

Here’s the exchange…

I have to write a paper for my Child and Adolescent Studies Class about
different forms of childrearing or discipline and I have to ask two
different mother or fathers I know (who are not my parents) with differing opinions about the subject that I choose. I chose you and one other person. I won't discuss anything you say or what they say with either of you or anyone else for that matter and feel free not to answer.

The subject I chose was spanking as a form of discipline.

Now the questions:

How do you feel about spanking?
I feel that it is appropriate for some children, based on personality and disposition.

How do your children respond to spanking?
They respond positively, in that the behavior I seek to be modified, is.

How do you think they would respond if you did not spank them?
I feel that all forms of discipline seek to teach the child the greater good, and the constructive outcome for this weighs primarily on the character and nature of the parent. Given my character and nature in harmony with those of my children, if I were to forego spanking them it would prove to be detrimental to their rearing by not demonstrating appropriate behavior.

What kinds of behavior necessitates spanking?
Any behavior that is dangerous to themselves or others and is done out of a willful and roguish intent.

How young do you spank a child?
That varies from child to child I'm sure, but I didn't start with mine until they were about 3.

What made you decide to choose to spank your children?
First and foremost - neccesity. My motivation is based on what proved to be effective for me during my childhood, along with the behavior qualities found in my children's personalities. The two pieces of truth I can pass along to prospective parents are 1. Yes indeed, they do grow up fast. and 2. You get what you are.

And, lastly, do you think spanking changes your relationship with them?
Yes it does, and that's the point. Here's the thing...God has granted me the grace and responsibility for these little souls and I have to make an account for them. If they grow up not having any type of healthy fear for their parents, they will, in turn, grow up not having any type of healthy fear for anything, God included.