The worst physical punishment was spanking and that was very infrequent and not very harsh.Sometimes Mom would get mad that we were talking at night, or reading instead of sleeping. Then she would say “Don’t make me send your father in there!” My father was a meek soul who clearly did not want to be called on in this capacity. If she made him come in to correct us he’d make a little half hearted swat at our behinds to calm us down if that. Consequently we were not very afraid of him.
Another disciplinary step was taking away your allowance, but that piddly little amount wasn’t anything to cry over, lol. And yes, I was grounded once or twice.
I always remember my dignity being offended when my mother would yell at me and correct me. I found it very demeaning. She didn’t name call or put me down either, just get angry and that was enough to make me feel not bad, but angry. I felt like, “Who the hell does she think I am? to talk to me like that!?” Because I was a really good kid who didn’t create problems but she saw me as being disrespectful if I didn’t agree with her all the time. I was opinionated and vocal. That made me the black sheep. There, now I am done with my confession!
I also am saddened to hear of the harsh punishments other jellies have been dealt . I have known people who had the belt when they were young. It seems so horrible, and to me, clearly constitutes child abuse. But I have been surprised that many people don’t seem to think it was all that bad. I have even had people tell me, “I deserved it” which I think is just horrible. You know, the whole, “Spare the rod, spoil the child mentality”. And these people, even though they excuse their parent’s abuse, usually say that they themselves would never do that to their own child.