I got hit when I deserved it and it was the same for my two boys when they were young. My oldest got paddled pretty good for running away from my side when we were walking through the parking lot. He was still in diapers and I had just told him how important it was to stay by my side so I can hold his hand. One good spanking later and we never had the issue again. My youngest was told to leave the candle alone and couldn't help himself, he covered it with a hand towel so he got a spanking. He never pushed the envelope again. In both memorable spankings it was over their personal safety as they were too young to understand how dangerous the behavior could be. Boys are 14 and 11 now and they are doing quite well. I don't believe in blasting a child for everything they do but will bust their behind if they did something that could get them hurt.