I agree with kendall and his daughter. I grew up in a family where we respected our parents so much that just disappointing them with our behavior was painful enough punishment. I learned as a parent myself that when kids get hit, they think it is ok for them to hit people, too. Violence breeds violence, and there are more effective ways to teach appropriate behavior. Rewarding appropriate behavior is key. Starting when kids are toddlers is important, which means parents need to have those skills in the home.