I have seen so very many parents who try to fit children into some sort of mold - especially with regard to discipline. I have come to realize that this can be an erronious method of dealing with them.

Some kids readily respond to a brief scolding. That's enough. That gets the message across and they rarely need to be reminded of it again. There are others who require a bit more. (Yes, I paddled a few fannies when my kids were very young). I have also seen some children who, at a moment when I might have reacted quite differently, were treated to laughter and hugs instead. This last is (to me) surprisingly effective in some instances.