I completely agree, there are better methods of helping children to control their behaviour than hitting them. I was spanked every day for years and it’s made me extremely fearful of conflict in any form outside of the house, but conversely I react with disproportionate anger sometimes with my family.

I’m approaching 40 and only in the last few years can I say no to people and stand up for myself in a work setting. On the other hand, I sometimes have great difficulty controlling my anger when I feel overwhelmed at home, which results in me ranting and raving to my wife and child and is frightening for them. These outbursts are not frequent because I have several coping strategies, but sometimes my anger takes over. My wife and son are very understanding and I always apologise soon after, but I wish I did not have these outbursts at all, it’s frustrating at times. I would never hit them, I know how it feels to be hit by someone that is supposed to love and protect you. Both my mother and father spanked me.