Do I spank my stepdaughter?

[sfombom]

I am recently married. My wife has a 3yr old daughter whose father is not in the picture. My wife has told me that it is okay to spank her, but I don't necessarily feel comfortable putting my hands on someone else's child.

I have two kids whose mother is in the picture, so I couldn't allow my wife to spank my kids. My 10 year old is VERY well behaved and hasn't needed chestising in almost 3 years. My 6 year old occasionaly needs a spanking, but rarely.

My 3 year old stepdaughter however is in desperate need of disciplining. She a sweet kids, but does things that are either disrespectful or dangerous at time. My wife is free spritited, and so is her daughter. Unfortunately, a 3 year old that plays with scissors and cuts her own hair, comes in and out the house when she feels like it, writes on walls, and plays with paint & other chemical is a very dangerous thing to have.

Do you think I should begin spanking my stepdaughter?
_________________
nursery wall decals

[cake]

Without even addressing the spanking issue, I have to ask how a three-year-old is getting access to paint/chemicals/scissors etc. It seems like a lot of these "discipline" issues could be prevented by keeping her away from dangerous items and making sure outside doors are secure. It's not a 3-year-old's responsibility to keep herself out of harm's way; it's yours and your wife's.
_________________
What can't that centaur woman do?

[Nemesis]

I think you and your wife should discuss a behaviour management plan together.

I also think that child should know that physical touch is a positive thing instead of a negative thing. I don't want my child thinking that hitting another person is ok, so why would I hit my child?
_________________
Everyone thinks I do it to make people stare, but really, it's to keep them from looking too closely.

[agnes]

Just wanted to note that this is a very unusual first post for our community, and it sent up a red flag in my head right away. So heads up everyone.

OP, if you are genuinely seeking advice, just be aware that it's a good idea to introduce yourself, get to know posters here a bit, etc before jumping in with a super hot button post.
:)
_________________
Well, at least I wasn't the one who puked on the floor. --greenbean

[WorkAndPlay]

Trolololol.
_________________
The plural of anecdote is not data.

Check out what I'm cooking at Chomp!