[jaxie]

Yes of course parents must be able to punish children. How else can you teach them right from wrong. The question really is what method of punishment. I always felt that being creative with a punishment that fit the crime worked out best and generally taught that repeating the problem wasn't a good idea.

All smacking does is teach a child to hit people which doesn't solve anything.

As an example if you did something destructive in our house you might find yourself on the patio with a hose and rubber gloves cleaning out a slightly smelly bin. (A good one for a child who is a bit precious about dirt and smells). I'm also a firm believer in removing phones and laptops for a week or two. For something really bad? Cat litter week!