While I remember times when physical punishments went too far, I also remember this about them: They were over quickly and cleared the air, while other forms of discipline dragged on and created a cloud of negativity that overshadowed family activities for depressingly long lengths of time.
"I would rather (said he) have the rod to be the general terrour to all, to make them learn, than tell a child, if you do thus, or thus, you will be more esteemed than your brothers or sisters. The rod produces an effect which terminates in itself. A child is afraid of being whipped, and gets his task, and there's an end on't; whereas, by exciting emulation and comparisons of superiority, you lay the foundation of lasting mischief; you make brothers and sisters hate each other.” ― James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson
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