Maintenance Spankings

A topic that has come up a lot in the comments recently is the idea of maintenance spankings.  With all the recent discussion about them, we figured now was the right time to discuss maintenance spankings on the blog.  Maintenance spankings provide a way for the HoH to keep the submissive partner on the right track and reconnect, as well as provide a means for the submissive partner to get an emotional release.  We’ll explain more in just a moment, but let’s start with what exactly maintenance spankings are.

What are maintenance spankings?

Maintenance spankings are light spanking sessions conducted by the head of the household on the submissive partner regularly, without infraction.  They’re conducted in a very similar manner to how beginner level spankings and warm up spankings are recommended to be done.  The only major differences are the implement used and the reason behind it.  It’s recommended the hairbrush or wooden paddle be used when conducting a beginner level spanking, however with maintenance spankings it’s recommended something lighter be used, such as a spanking buddy, a wooden spoon, or the hand.  A hairbrush would also work, but it wouldn’t be necessary to strike quite as hard as recommended for a beginner level spanking.

The frequency in which maintenance spankings are done is at the discretion of the head of the household.  It’s recommended maintenance spankings be done approximately one week apart, but not on the same day every week.  For instance, if maintenance spankings are done every Sunday, they’ll lose effectiveness since the submissive partner will know when they are going to happen.  Anywhere from one week to two weeks apart is ideal, give or take.  As always, the HoH should be fair with this.  If the submissive partner is having a good week, the HoH should wait a little longer to do maintenance.  If the submissive partner is having a rough week, we recommend the HoH do maintenance a little sooner than normal.

All the same methods recommended in the beginner level spaking post still apply when conducting a maintenance spanking.  Alternating cheeks when striking, the submissive partner is in the leaning over the bed position (or OTK), approximately 15-20 strikes, etc.  It’s also very important that the HoH comforts the submissive partner afterward, just as they would after a traditional spanking.

Why would a couple conduct maintenance spankings?

There are three reasons.

1) – To keep the submissive partner on the right track, and to remind them that they need to follow the agreed upon rules at all times.  Maintenance spankings are effective in helping the submissive partner remember to continue following the rules and to continue doing the right things.  Maintenance spankings essentially protect the submissive partner from himself/herself during the week.  By the HoH reminding the submissive partner in this manner, it in turn makes it less likely that a major infraction by the submissive partner will occur during the week.

2) – To reconnect.  Spanking in general is a very intimate thing between partners.  Given this intimacy, and given the comforting and cuddling that takes place after a maintenance spanking, some couples choose to make maintenance spankings a part of their domestic discipline relationship to simply enhance the intimacy between the two of them and strengthen that emotional bond.

3) – To give the submissive partner an emotional release.  Maintenance spankings offer a means to release emotions so the submissive partner feels much better afterward.  This goes back to why it’s so important that the submissive partner cry after a spanking – it releases the emotions of guilt, disappointment, sorrow, etc.  Sometimes just “crying it out” will help a submissive partner feel better about whatever they are/were upset about, and maintenance spankings provide that avenue in which to give that emotional release.

There may not be an aspect of domestic discipline we’re more on the fence about than maintenance spankings.  We’re split 50/50 as being for or against them.  However, we’re comfortable enough with them to include them on the blog, but they aren’t something we outwardly recommend couples do.

We’ve always felt a spanking is a punishment tool intended to correct an unwanted, dangerous or detrimental behavior, and we don’t like the idea of spanking when the submissive partner didn’t do anything wrong.  We also don’t like the idea of spanking when the submissive partner is upset/crying to get their emotions out, since we feel the submissive partner should never have to worry about showing emotion in front of the HoH.  HOWEVER, with all of that said, we understand the benefits of maintenance spankings and a lot of couples prefer them.  Don’t let our personal feelings discourage you from trying them if you feel they would be beneficial to your relationship.  Like we said, we’re really 50/50 on maintenance spankings.

Just as with all the recommendations here, maintenance spankings are something a couple should discuss together to determine if they’re right for their relationship.  Now that you’re familiar with what exactly maintenance spankings are, how they’re done, and why they’re done, we encourage you and your partner to discuss them and determine if you both want them a part of your relationship going forward.