One possible reason could be that the child broke a very important rule, like cheating on a test in the case of a teacher, or lying repeatedly to the mother. However, this still doesn't justify spanking.
The new mother may be under a great deal of stress. Taking care of a new baby is extremely challenging, and if she has other children as well, a misbehaving child could push her to her limits. She might think that spanking is a quick way to get the child to stop the unwanted behavior, like if the child is constantly fighting with siblings or making a mess right after she has just cleaned up. But again, there are better, non - violent ways to handle such situations, like teaching the child about consequences through positive communication.
In some fictional stories, it could be used as a plot device to show the complex relationships within a community. Maybe the mother's friend had some old - fashioned ideas about discipline and thought she was helping the mother. But in reality, it's a very inappropriate act. Spanking is a form of physical punishment that should be carefully considered even within the family, let alone by a non - family member. It could also be a way to explore themes of over - stepping boundaries and the consequences in a story.
In some stories, the boy might have been causing trouble in the neighborhood where the girl lives. For instance, he could have been vandalizing property or being a nuisance. If the girl's mother caught him in the act, she might have spanked him out of frustration and a desire to stop his bad behavior right away. But this kind of physical punishment is now considered inappropriate in many places, and alternative methods of correction are preferred.
One reason could be that the boy was being disrespectful. For example, if he was using bad language in the friend's house, the mother might spank him as a form of punishment.
These stories are not as common as they once were. Teachers usually have strict rules against physical punishment in most schools. However, in some traditional or less - regulated areas in the past, a teacher could spank a naughty boy. Mothers too, in older times, might spank as a form of discipline. But today, with the emphasis on child rights and positive parenting, spanking is generally frowned upon.
One possible reason could be that the child did something really bad that directly affected the other mom's child. For example, if the child was bullying the other mom's child constantly. Another reason might be that in a very traditional community, the other mom felt it was her moral obligation to discipline any misbehaving child. But these are just some possible reasons and not common justifications.
One reason could be to show authority. A friend's mother might feel the need to discipline another child if they are causing trouble in her home. Another reason could be a lack of proper communication. Maybe she didn't know how else to get the child to stop misbehaving. For example, if the kids were being too rowdy and not listening to her requests.
One reason could be for comical effect. In a story, it might be used to create a humorous moment when the hubby has done something clumsy or forgetful.
Perhaps the mother is facing some personal issues or stress and is unable to handle her son's misbehavior herself. So she resorts to having other women spank him. It could also be that she wants to show her son that his actions have consequences not only in front of her but also in front of other authority figures. However, these are not valid justifications as it can harm the child both physically and emotionally.
One possible reason could be that the child did something really bad right in front of everyone, like deliberately breaking a precious item belonging to the mother's friend. The parent, in a moment of anger and lack of self - control, resorted to spanking.