Have you ever been ...

[Franknburger]

Not sure what to answer. I got slapped once by my mother, when she was in emotional stress, but that was the only time that has ever happened. My father never used his hand, but tried reasoning insteaad.

As a parent myself, I have never slapped my kids (the oldest is turning eighteen this month). I was tempted once when my son in rage threw a cup of hot coffee at me, but decided to answer with shouting at him.

My experience as a parent has been that when you try to listen to your kids, they are open to rational arguments and accept guidance and orders, even though they might dislike them. My sister's approach, "If you can't convince them, confuse them", has also proven helpful from time to time.