I agree with Jake. These kids "OF TODAY" know that everything is considered abuse if an adult spanks them. Society goes by a different set of rules and my dear, it ain't workin!!!! People use poor parenting as a scape goat, just a person to blame. It is a different set of rules out there. I do agree respect needs to be instilled in our children, no matter what, but I don't believe that is the sole issue here. How wonderful for you that your family is perfect. Today, both parents work even on Sunday, AND answer to the new rules of society, and God forbid if you have a slow learning child. Jake, I agree with you, what you had to say is reality. Appropriate spankings in school should be allowed. Lorie, respect needs to taught by our teachers as well, and taking away effective methods of discipline gives our teachers little to work with. Everything we do is now against the law, allowing kids to rule. Society has paid the price for the morons that are abusive and it has hurt us as a society. I feel parents do the best they can under all circumstances.