Originally Posted by Chula Vista

First mistake is not to paint physical discipline with a broad stroke.

You can't discuss it with a single response when it could include anything from a couple of swats on a clothed behind to a beating with the buckle end of a belt, having a broom , choking a kid unconsciousness, etc.

I was beaten in all three of the crazy ways noted above.
My kids got mildly spanked on their fully clothed backside.

Don't even try to lump the two together as simply "physical punishment".