I dont have children but I was one, and when my parents disciplined me they always explained what the punishment would be and why, and that they were doing it out of love and not anger. They would then let me think about it for about 24 hours before the punishment was due. That was worse than the two smacks on my bottm with a wooden spoon or belt. I had plenty of time to think about what I did wrong, and they would have me explain to them why I was being punished just before the spanking occurred to make sure I understood. They never did the spanking at the time of the bad behavior. They would wait which gave everyone a chance to calm down. I turned out pretty well and never resented any of the spankings I got. I pretty much deserved them. PS I always had about three warnings before it came to being spanked, so its not like I didnt have a chance to change my behavior. I honestly dont think 2 smacks with a spoon constitutes a beating, and I was never hit on my bare skin. Spare the rod spoil the child. Just my opinion. I'm 44, and this is how it was when I was a child growing up. I truly respect a parents decision not to spank their child.