A smack followed by a hug

Shannon is really naughty these days and nothing seems to work except maybe the cane - but then she goes bezerk on a screaming/crying campaign that can last for up to 30 mins.

What's your stand on smacking children?

We use the cane - I think it's not really the absolute right thing to do, but disciplining is an important part of training them to be good people. But it's typically followed by a hug and a loving explanation on why "Daddy had to smack you".

Very hypocritical right? I hurt you because I love you. I'm sure we've heard our parents say that to us before when we were young, and we never quite understood it and went "yeah right - you hit me because you love me - sure, I really believe you". But now it's our turn, and just when it makes sense to us, we've got to put ourselves in those little shoes too.

Yeah right Daddy. I really believe you.