Not quite right?
 

I'm surprised that this "tradition" has survived in public(?) school. I don't think it's a big deal in this instance (tho uncomfortable, true), but I also think that it has always made for a somewhat awkward situation if any given kid objects to it, then they're set up with an undeserved label by the rest of the class who find it "fun".

Not quite right?
 

That's an odd tradition, though kind of sad that a completely fine, fun, silly thing for the kids is probably not something a good portion of parents would want going on, if for no other reason than to err on the side of conservatism. Playful or not, people (we parents, and eveyrone else) have become so suspicious about things (with maybe some good reason) that it now does seem odd to touch a child in that way (and, okay, I never got or heard of birthday spankings growing up), and I can hardly believe it's managed to survive this long.

Not quite right?
 

Hmmm, birthday spankings. A certain special someone is going to be verrry surprised!

Not quite right?
 

I totally remember birthday spankings from growing up (though I'd forgotten all about them until this thread)--maybe they're an Oregon thing? We also used to line up and make the birthday kid crawl between our legs, with each kid giving a spank to the crawlee as em passed.

tm

Not quite right?
 

Ooh, good point! Hmmm, no birthdays on the horizon. What do you think of Christmas spankings?

Not quite right?
 

No, I remember them too as aresult of this thread, so it was at least a LI and Oregon thing. But I don't recall a teacher ever doing it, it was, as you said, either other kids, or relatives.

Not quite right?
 

I remember it, but I don't remember which place(s) I lived where this was done. I don't remember if it was at school or at home or with friends or what.

Renaissance Fest
 

Good for kids (5 and 2.5) or no? Have never attended, but those costumes look kind of kiddie-cool.

Renaissance Fest
 

No idea one way or the other, but I am starting to rethink the question of whether or not we are the same person, given the ages of your kids. Hmmm.

Not quite right?
 

Also square state midwest. Also no teachers doing it.

Renaissance Fest
 

So does that mean you will pick them up at school(s) for me today? Thanks so much!

Not quite right?
 

In the burbs of NY, we had birthday punches. I don't remember birthday spankings.

The idea of the teacher doing it is somewhere between bizarre and really sick.

Renaissance Fest
 

This sort of thing will make for a Terrible Horrible No-Good VEry Bad Day. For all involved.

Renaissance Fest
 

Oops. I was assuming you would. I'm sure they're fine though.

Renaissance Fest
 

Imagine their embarrassment when nononono pulls out renaissance fair pics to show the kids' future boy- or girlfriends.

Mom, please don't. You're embarrassing me!!!

This is the goal? Future blackmail opportunities?