Parent questions use of corporal punishment

DEAR HARRIETTE: Disciplining children is a critical aspect of parenting, but it can be challenging to determine the most effective methods. Recently, I’ve noticed that my 7-year-old son has been misbehaving, ignoring rules and testing boundaries. In the heat of the moment, I sometimes find myself resorting to physical consequences, such as a light smack on the bottom, believing it will teach him right from wrong. However, I worry that this approach may lead to more harm than good, as it could foster fear rather than understanding.