Is Spanking O.K.?

Sometimes, say experts--but only some kinds, under specific conditions

The first time Donna Maria Coles Johnson spanked her daughter, they both cried. Johnson remembers that afternoon two years ago as if it were yesterday. They had just come home from church, and Vanessa, then 2, refused to take off her dress before nap time. "She gave me this look like she was the mother," Johnson, 43, recalls. "I'm fast-forwarding 16 years in my mind, hearing her say, 'Well, I'm taking the car anyway.'" Without a word, Johnson picked Vanessa up, took her into the bathroom and gave her six slaps on the thigh. After explaining the reason for the spanking, Johnson...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!