I grew up in the traditional home, with both parents. My mother was a young mother, and she had to discipline us while my father was at work. My father worked shift work, and was a strict disciplinarian. When we were very young, that worked out pretty well. As we got into school age though, my father handed the punishment out. If my mother told him what we did, we would get it when he got home, no matter what time that happened to be. My paternal grandmother was the disciplinarian. My grandfather was more of a buddy figure. My paternal grandparents were born in the late 1800's. You better believe times were different then on discipline compared to now. I didn't get physical punishment in my mid to late teens, but my brother did. When my father was in his 60's on up, he would tell people he made a mistake with us. (by being too strict) When we were finally able to leave home on our own, we went absolutely wild. The freedom was exhilarating.
I was afraid of repeating the same type of discipline with my own children. (before I had them) I went
through a phase of self help, to understand and get over the past. I didn't believe in corporal punishment during that time. I got married and had two young children. My ex and I split when my daughter just turned two, and I was heavily pregnant with my second child. My husband did use corporal punishment on my first child, and I wasn't happy about that, and would step in if I thought he went too far. After my son was born I had to be both mother and father to my kids. My daughter was very head strong, and she was a challenge. I read all the books, and it was not working with her. So I spanked her for serious cases of misbehavior or defiance. Spanking her did not work, so I stopped eventually. What worked her was to put her in her room all by herself. She hated that with a passion.
My son did not mind if you put him in his room by himself at all. He did however get spanked up until maybe 10-11 years old. I cannot remember for sure. There were no spankings during the tweener age on up. Grounding and taking away games, computer and phone time were used past that time period. I wasn't a perfect parent, but I did the best I could. When the kids were very young I had major health problems that I won't go into on here. I was lucky to be alive and raise them. You've heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Well I can say I fully understand that, without a doubt.
Happy Birthday Hula !! 