Originally Posted by right-track

There's an old saying...spare the rod and spoil the child.

My strategy with parenting is based on that maxim.
Although it's important not to be too harsh equally as it is not to spoil them by allowing the child to get away with blue murder.
Being a parent is a massive responsibility and ensuring the child grows up to be a well balanced human being, knowing the difference between right and wrong, is the biggest responsibility of all.

If the child knows exactly why he/she is being disciplined, then I see no harm with a swift smack on the hand.