Hitting or slapping would be seen as an act of aggression if it is between children or adults. Is it not agression because you are an adult or in charge of the situation? When children are hit, slapped or spanked, they learn that these behaviors are acceptable -- and that this is the way to control situations. Is that what you want to teach the child?
Will the hitting or spanking solve the situation or just give it a temporary fix and way for the adult to relieve their frustration?
~lila