My father thought that he had to "spank" us. Each time, he had an ulcer flare-up. He usually used a belt, but once at the direction of his father used a buggy whip. Actually I don't remember which one wielded the whip — but that time my cousin and I richly deserved it. I think my father over did the corporal punishment. It made me more angry than sorry. When I became independent and, therefore, responsible for myself, he became a friend.
When I was raising my own children, I never felt the need to physically punish them, but I did not rule out doing so. I did, on occasion, use a swat on the butt (and once a cheek slap) to get their attention. Talkings-to (after I had their attention) sufficed. Lectures would often end with "Do you understand me?" and the reply was usually in the affirmative, but occasionally, "I get points 1, 2, 3, and 5, but I'm missing something on point 4." When the talking was over, it was over. They never made me sorry.
My middle child, a daughter, once commented that she never felt that she was treated like a child. She had always felt that she was treated as a person. I think my older son and younger daughter might agree.
