And beating them black and blue, I do think a little smack or two is called for when all other attempts fail. But in all honesty, many times we grown ups tend to lose patience fast. Most kids are suckers for kind words and compliments, and often using these tactics are far more effectual than whacks. And the downside of even light beating is that it can send the message across to the kiddo that violence is a solution to getting your way. Then when they, in their immaturity, do this to say there classmates, it causes us to have to reprimand them again..a vicious cycle!