<p>My cousins and I came from families that did not spank. My husband came from a family where spanking was frequent. His parents were very loving but his family was quite large and spanking was the behavior management tool. His parents did not have time for time-outs, discussions, or other non-violent means of discipline because there were so many kids.
But, my cousins and I so far have never divorced. We all completed college and have not suffered any sustained emotional problems. All our children have never been spanked and (so far!) our kids are doing well in high school and college.
Everyone of my hubbie’s siblings has been divorced at least once (including my H; I am his second wife.) Three of the siblings are alcoholics; two have died from this disease. My husband was the only sibling to complete college. Two siblings dropped out of high school. One sibling suffers from chronic depression. She has been in treatment for this condition for 15 years.
Is the difference in outcomes because of spanking? I don’t know. But I can’t understand why anyone would take the risk when there are tons of non-violent methods of disciplining your kids.</p>