[Ms_Dahl]

The ladies had so many wise words to share on this question. For me, I want to parent from a place of love, mercy, and authenticity. I want to be able to know that no matter what is happening between my child and me, the bond of love is absolute and unquestionable. So, anything that serves to break down that bond is not something that will work for my parenting goals. In that line of thinking, I steer away from not just spanking, but other forms of punishment as well. When I realized as an adult how unconditionally and infinitely I am loved by God and that even in the midst of my sin, I can turn to Him and He is right there to take me in His arms and forgive me, this is what I wanted my son to grow to learn about God as a child (instead of having to go through years and years of baggage, therapy, many many wrong choices to discover). As a side note, boundaries can still be taught without the use of spanking or other forms of punishment. I think a lot of parents think parents who don't spank do not teach their children boundaries or appropriate behaviors. Perhaps you could delve a bit on this with your hubby to see if he is concerned that not spanking would be the same as being permissive?