I am 63. i never spanked or hit my 2 children. My daughter has four kids, and she never hits them. They are fabulous well-behaved children. She uses time-outs. It works. I don't believe in EVER hitting a child. I grew up physically and verbally abused and know first-hand what hitting a child does.....causes anger, resentment, etc, etc.......I believe in common sense...warning the child that if he/she does something, there will be a consequence and follow-through with a time out. In time, with repetition, they learn that. With a young child, the time-out should be very short...attention span, etc....My son was an incredible challenge.....ADHD and an attitude, but he found his way. I think as long as a child knows they are loved, there are no mistakes in parenting....