Howdy, all.
 
Guess what.  I'm NOT going to give you my 2 cents about nose tapping nor
whether or not I feel this constitutes abuse; I just want to comment on
this discussion in general.
 
As someone who works in the foster care system, I have to deal with abuse.
I have to deal with methods of discipline.  Lines for abuse are usually
clearly defined.  I interact, however, with families and other service
providers (DHS, schools, specialists) and every single one of them has a
different paradigm regarding what is acceptable as a form of discipline
(some providers would tell you that using a time-out and yelling are not
acceptable forms of discipline and I've heard those strategies noted many
times here on the FML).  That will not be changing any time soon.
 
Granted, we're talking about the differrence between children and ferrets,
but I don't feel that the basic arguements are any different than those
I've seen on the FML.
 
I'm afraid that in this line of discussion, we can type 'til we're blue in
the fingers and still not change any (or many) minds out there in either
direction about what is acceptable (trust me. . .  I've been involved in
far too many of those discussions).
 
I don't want to dismiss it as unimportant, but from the discussion it seems
we are at the point where camps have been firmly entrenched.  I'm hoping
that everyone can AGREE TO DISAGREE on this issue as continued discussion
will only result in hard feelings and defensiveness -- that cannot lead to
a productive conversation.
 
-  Andy, Lily, Tripod Bob, & Cody
 
[Moderator's note: I tend to agree here.  It's an important issue to many
people, but I think it's been discussed to the max by now.  Let's move on,
please.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 3062]