Memories of childhood spankings by parents

[BlackVelvet007]

We believe, we believe, Hallelujah we believe. I once met a woman from Seattle who told me the sweetest story. When she was a little girl, she climbed into the front seat of the family car parked in the driveway and accidently pulled the parking brake. The car started rolling down the driveway. Fortunately, her mother saw what was going on and stopped the car before it rolled into the street etc. But her mother led the girl into the house, pulled down her panties and spanked her bare bottom with a paddle. What made this story sweet is that when the story was described to me, all she could remember was associating her mother's love with the spanking because at the time, her "joyride" had scared the heck out of her, and it was oddly comforting just feeling the warmth of her mom's lap as well as the fire of her scorched bottom.

[PandaBear]

LOL! That story reminds me of the time my dad forgot to put the parking brake up on our old Karman Ghia (hope that's how you spell it!) and it rolled down not only our driveway, but the neighbor across the cul de sac called us and said that our car had just crashed into her husband's pickup! Our driveway was on a hill, so you had to set the brake every time you parked it. Well dad never forgot to set the brake again! And mom still hasn't let him live this down either!

[Adelina]

It is difficult for me to read childhood stories, but it's not because they're offensive or inappropriate. I know that I am particularly sensitive to the subject and am in the minority. I don't remember a single home spanking incident of mine; the only episode in my home I can visualize is my mom grabbing and beating the hell out of my sister with a flyswatter, then later the two of us talking and trying to figure out what had set Mom off, which was often a mystery. I don't recall any specific deeds, only that Mom Was Mad. I grew up believing that spanking was a way for parents to vent anger and frustration.

When I read statements saying someone is grateful for childhood discipline, or that it was done from love, I feel a little ill, only because I cannot wrap my head around this concept. The "L" word was not used in my house. I still feel uncomfortable being around my parents, feel disgusting when they hug me, and will not leave my preschool-aged daughter alone with them.

I do believe that my parents' attitudes were not intentionally malicious. They did a lot of things right, took us to lots of activities and were attentive to medical/dental care and always had the fridge full. But they have difficulties with emotions and relationships, and we were caught in the crossfire.

[RG_]

I know of many people who have said that the pain of emotional wounds was/is far greater than anything that spanking ever brought. We've talked about this before, Adelina, but once again I'll note that I wish that your parents, who have some wonderful characteristics, had been more emotionally fulfilling and supportive for you.