Safe Speed Forums

Yep, both good points and thanks but what is the line between abuse and chastisement, how does/would the law measure the distinction and proportionality? I guess where I'm coming from (and i understand that this example is probably at the higer end of the scale), is for example, most of us have been in Tescos and seen tracy from the sink estate grab young Damian, scream and shout at him, proceed to smack his legs all for whining that he's tired etc. I just think that young Damian is going to growup thinking it ok to lash out without thinking first.

That's true, but you may be witnessing the culmination of three hours of whining and her finally snapping and getting ten minutes peace by doing so. It is very easy to make judgements without knowing all the facts.

I have three children who get smacked very rarely but there have been times when nothing else has worked. Those 'supernanny' type programs show techniques that really do work... so long as you only have one child and infinite time and patience. Those of us with many children, finite time and who get tired ourselves somtimes have to use smacking as a last resort just to get the child to co-operate. There are (in my case) two other children who also need attention and I will not allow them to be neglected just because one decides to have a screaming match with me because they are tired. People often coment on how happy and well behaved our children are, so I think we must be doing something right.

3 further cases reported today in the Lancs Eve Post for driving without insurance.

2 fines of £200, 1 of £300 points 6 or 8 - 2 drivers also unlicensed

All 3 persons convicted were in their 30's so not just a young problem

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That's how Nazi Germany started. They'll be burning books next. (Brian Noble, Wigan coach - updated 20/4/06!!).