I seem to dimly remember a story about Erasmus (or someone like that). When E. was a child he found himself in a public space (an inn, perhaps?) with a guardian (Father? Grandfather? Uncle?). They both overheard a man say someting very wise or profound. The guardian promptly clipped E. round the ear. Presumably the theory was that the minor trauma would permanently imprint the words of wisdom on the young E.'s mind.

Perhaps someone should have clipped me round the ear when I read this - so that I could remember the details a bit better!

Nevertheless, I don't generally believe in hitting children (or anyone else for that matter). But the parents who give their children a tap when they do something like running into the road may have a point ... the minor trauma could well prevent a subsequent major trauma.