[Ginabridget]

I think my name would have to go on that petition as well. Although I don't smack my kids, I use the 'naughty step' and so far this works (mine are only 3 and nearly 2), but when that stops working as effectively I will definitely reconsider my methods. I agree with MB if a parent is going to be abusive they will be abusive, an anti-smacking law isn't going to change that.

As for the pent up anger of dealing with bratty children, we tend to chase our children round the house and scream at them, now that sounds really bad, but the kids think it's hilarious and don't know that I'm using it to release my pent up emotions. I don't know what it's like in NZ but here in England where we've got the anti-smacking scenario we get frowned at when we're mucking about with the kids in pubic, like when we're chasing them, throwing them in the air, dangling them by their ankles, etc, this is all action that my kids love and demand more of. When we're doing this you can see people tutting at us.