[Miranda_]

That would not work on me in the slightest. I wouldn't have cared a darn if my parents ignored me; I liked being by myself and all alone anyway. I agree with a swat on the butt if a child is either a) stretching things to their limit, ie being warned and warned and ignoring everything or b) doing or having done something terribly dangerous, such as running out into the road or playing with matches. Anything more, like hitting with an object, is verging on the abusive; especially if a parent is striking out in anger. Smacking should not be administered by an angry parent, not ever.