My ex's girlfriend spanked my 9 year old daughter for "smarting off" to her. I just don't think this is appropriate. What should I do so that it doesn't come back on her? Father tends to overreact if the children tell me anything and tells them to quit telling lies. Girlfriend talked to her about it last night and told her she knew it wasn't a spanking that she just popped her leg to get her attention and to quit telling me her business. Does the court even care?