I was spanked and so I am not an objective person. But I have struggled with that pain and suffering for most of my life. It was the thing to do 30-40 years ago. Ask your therapist or your child's doctor how to enforce rules without causing pain and suffering.

There are psychological consequences of spanking. Your child feels powerless to fend off a spanking. this causes inner harm greater than the physical pain. Do you know that studies have shown that children that are spanked are more likely to act out in ways like wetting their pants?

Not only is it not advisable psychologically. I am not a legal expert but I hear about football stars with legal consequences for hitting their children. I think it is time to find other ways of enforcing rules besides spanking. that could actually be the root cause of the problem. Talk to a medical professional. Don't just take my word.