Statisically there are less smokers, including smoking mothers, than there were in past years. I also get a strong feeling (although I have never seen a survey on this topic) that less of today's mothers spank their kids than in previous generations. Still, here in 2006 some mothers still smoke and some mothers do spank. I get a feeling that the two are often linked together.

First of all, both smoking and spanking are considered two of the least politically correct behaviors. My impression is that the mothers who strongly believe things such as "spanking is always wrong" have a whole host of politically correct ideas, some might not eat meat for example, most would not smoke,etc. On the other hand mothers who smoke, especially in front of their children, in the car with their children etc. are not as likely to be politically correct about anything.

Smoking moms in general may be under more stress than their non-smoking counterparts. For example, single mothers are far more likely to be smokers than married mothers are. I think a working class, stressed out single mother is more likely to spank her kids while the suburban soccer mom is more likely to believe in PC concepts such as "spanking is always wrong".

Finally, I think that smoking mothers are more likely to be dominant. I read a study which found women smokers are significantly more likely to "get upset" than nons. Well, getting upset can certainly lead to spanking. Thousands of studies (as well as personal observations) has shown a very clear connection between smoking and drinking. Of course, smokers are far more likely to drink than nons. This fact alone probably proves my theory correct. I am certain that women who drink alcohol on a regular basis are more likely to spank than non-drinkers. I speak from personal experience, my mother was domineering when she was sober, but her hardest spankngs (as well as verbal abuse) was always when she was drinking. Just about anytime she made me cry, she was holding a cigarette AND a glass of wine in her hand.

I don't mean to generalize. Of course not all smoking moms are abusive. Also, I don't think that spanking is bad. I think spanking is far more effective than PC ideas like "time out". I also believe that most moms who spank truly love their children and think it's what's best for them.

So I'm not saying that all or even most smoking moms spank their kids. But would you agree (or disagree) that smoking moms are MORE LIKELY to spank than nons? I look forward to your feedback.