We only do it when he's in the process of doing something very dangerous. It's actually attached a consequence to such actions and keeps him safe. He's only been spanked a couple times and I'd rather have a baby with a spanked booty than a dead one. We haven't lived in the safest environment his entire life and try as we may, we couldn't baby proof it completely. He is loved beyond words and I will always protect him. Even when sometimes it hurts. He doesn't run from the car, climb over our couch (to a drop down the stairs), or any of the various other things that could cause him permanent damage or death. You don't have to agree with me but it works for us. We don't abuse our son by any means and never spank in anger or fear.