Child Discipline - Smacking

[njislndr]

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Michigan

My son is a mature 12 years old and has a recent, and increasing history of lying, stealing, failing grades, hiding his report card, sneaking out of the house late at night, etc. Knowing my son and what gets his attention and what doesn't, I do feel inclined to discipline him with my hand when I feel that it is appropriate.

Today we had an issue with him lying, and he was confronted with the facts and was given the opportunity to tell the truth, he declined to do so so I slapped him in the face and again gave him the opportunity to tell the truth and he once again maintained his story and I slapped him once again.

He left in a fit, went to a friends house and called the police. The police came and after a semi-lengthy conversation, they told him and me at the same time in the same room and in the same conversation that I am not allowed to discipline my son via a smack in the face, that I must spank him on his bottom. My son is 6' tall and I hardly believe that I could spank his bottom even if I wanted to.

My question is concerning my rights as a parent to effectively discipline my child in a way that I see fit and still maintain my child's safety. Additionally and most importantly, I am VERY concerned about these officers' negating my parental "power" in front of my son!

I am very interested in opinions and facts and I thank all respondents in advance.

Regards,

[aardvarc]

Bottom line: the police are right. Slaps to the face can result in your ARREST for child abuse. The rump, for those who insist on physical punishment, is the target of choice precisely because it has cushion and a large muscle mass - and unlike the face, can't accidently be missed or mis-struck with the hand causing things like damaged eyes, knocked out teeth, busted lips, nerve damage, even whiplash, and a whole host of other things (which can and do occur, no matter how unintentional). If you can't smack his butt, then it's time to think of more creative punishments, and soon.