I'm basically against physical disipline -- I'm trying to teach my kids to talk things out and not to hit others, so it seems hypocritical to hit them.  Children learn by watching what we do.  However, yesterday my daughter darted out into the parking lot when we were leaving the grocery store.  I yelled out to stop and she kept going so I grabbed her arm in a way that she could feel it, not too hard but definitely firm.  I must admit that I wanted to surprise her and get her attention.  So sometimes parents do need to redirect kids physically for their own safety. 

Yes, i would agree, Erika. I am against physical discipline, don't think it makes a lot of sense to teach kids not to do things by hitting them. At the same time, redirecting kids physically can be necessary, especially when there are safety issues.

You know I got spanked when I was little and look how I turned out!....wait a minute that might not be such a good example.  Spare the rode and spoil the child!  Right or Wrong?

I have used spanking but only on the butt but I don't use it exclusively.  I try all other options first and only use spanking when all else fails.  I don't spank when I am angry where I might do more than I should.  But to be honest now that my boy's are older 7 and 5 I rarely have to spank.  They listen to me when I first tell them to go in their room or in a corner or what not.  They are not voilent kids.  They don't hit other kids or each other.  And now when they were really little (like baby or 1 years old) I didn't spank them.  It wasn't till they were old enough to know more about what's right and wrong before I did.  And it's always been on the bottom.  Most of the time I hurt more their feelings then their butts.  My boy's are not afraid of me or my hubby.  But then again I don't use spanking for everything and have rarely had to use it.  I would say it's been over 6 months since I've had to spank either of them.

Personally I am against physical discipline.  As one pp said, physical redirection such as grabbing an arm in a dangerous situation is an exception, that is not at all similar to slapping or spanking.  I don't think it's necessary, and it is disrespectful and degrading.  I wouldn't want someone coming up and hitting me if I were doing something wrong.  I have a 2.5 year old and the idea that I can't communicate an idea to him without hitting him is wrong.  He understands the word "no" and he understands time outs.  They work well for him and I rarely have to use them because he understands consequences.  I think that to exercise your control by exerting force is wrong, just my opinion.  I also think that some people tend to cross the line, lose control, etc. and it is best to not even go there.

To tell the truth, I wish I could resolve more issues without getting physical.  My 3-year-old is a handful and about twice a week he gets a spanking.  I honestly don't know how else to get through to him when he's pulled all the dirt out of my house plant for the umpteenth time and I've put him in time out for it over and over again.  If you have pointers for me, PLEASE post!