Replies to 'Spanking: Useful or Cruel?'

just want to encourage you on this wonderful adventure of parenthood,please don't ever think that you are a bad mother. All of us here are in the same boat with basically the same goals for our children, to become good, caring productive adults. It certainly is a journey and we all have our up's and downs with our children. some children, I think are easier then others but all in all, they are all the same when it comes to needing love, guidance and discipline. There are many discipline techniques but as each child is diffeernt, discipline techniques are going to be different for each child. I think the poker chip system is a good idea and may work with your child, I personally just use sticker charts and my children earn rewards, time outs work with my two because they don't like sitting LOL...but whatever you do, it must be consistent and tho it can get hard and tiring at times, being consistent and sticking with the rules is very imporant and eventually the child will catch on. I think too many parents give up/in too easily and then their kids start running things. I think you are on the right track and niothing wrong with seeking help/advice. I have a good friend who I go to if I need something and it does do wonders, as there are always people who have gone through the same thing or they have ideas that we may not have thought of. I think a good parent is one who has the desire to teach and guide their children in the right way to go and not afraid to admit when they are having "issues", hang in there and know that you are the best mommy for your child and in return, you will see positive things happening.