I got whipped by everything from extension cords to close hangers. And yes I'm fairly effed up.

Also raised 2 girls, ones 22 and the other 16 and both are really good kids. We spanked out of anger sometimes, not often, but it did happen.

I think the most important part is what you said about talking. We always have had an open line of communication about everything. Probably to a fault. However our kids know that they can trust us and we will do our best to make a sound decision about pretty much anything. They would come to us even when they make a major mistake. That says a lot. In my opinion.

My parents hid everything from us. Didn't want us to know? Or didn't think we were old enough to understand. I wish that would have been different.

This. And, some kids just don't respond to spanking. So it's really a case-by-case thing.

I have no problem with smacking a kids hand when they're reaching for something they're not supposed to touch. Likewise, a couple whacks on the rear end isn't going to do horrible harm. But if you're leaving welts and bruises, then you're doing it wrong. And, in most cases, spanking stops being effective at around 5-7 years old.

My grown kids still flinch if they see me with a wooden spoon.

Spanked my son several times, talking to him didn't help, daughter just threatening worked. My father only whipped me 2 times that I can remember, my mother on the other hand found something to wear me out, seems like daily, until I was 14-15. She never did it with anger but plenty of power. She never made an empty threat, if she said when we get home you are getting a spanking it happened, even if you ran off and didn't come in for several hours. When you walked through the door she was waiting for you. I never heard "wait till your dad comes home", she took care of business. My brother said he learned a lot what not to do watching me. A green cotton stalk will wrap around you like a bull whip is one thing that I will remember until I die. She made a big impression on me.

Corporal punishment has always had a place in child raising. Always will.
Some children wont behave any other way. Depends on the child and whether or not they will listen and obey when told.

My dad had the "STARE" it was enough for me. I didn't have to spank mine because I learned the"STARE" and I told them I brought you in I can take you out. They believed me cause I have always been a man of my word.

My mom couldn't control me so she just left.

Got whooped with whatever mom could reach. Dad always opened handed. Talks before and after . Smacked on the lips for talking back . ( not like a backhand or anything just a pop to get your attention)
I discipline her the same it�s getting to the point where she will not act fool . And if she does it�s only around her momma . But we don�t have to discipline her much . And I won�t whoop in anger Momma usually jumps in before that happens or i will hand her over to her mother and give her the look lol

Mine got spanked on occasion depending on what they did. Time out in the BLUE chair, removal of game boy, movies and other things used also.
That said we were at a birthday party at MickyD's and they started getting rowdy and I snapped my fingers and gave them the look. They settled down but still played with the others. I was asked how I did that, I told them we have rules that are enforced and have been since they were small. They were never beaten and always had an explanation of why they were punished. All 3 have college degrees and have never been arrested and are working tax paying adults now.

They had several friends in school that never got called down and did anything they wanted. Several of them are in prison or 6' below ground due to their bad decisions. Not saying it cures all but it sure lets kids know there are consequences for not following the rules.

Now young men testing there fathers is another story ... I think there should be some kind of clause in the law for that one lol

New parent here, but between me and my brother it depended on the kid which worked. I got spanked, my brother could not stand sitting or losing privileges.

You don't train dogs with pain and slapping.
The same with folks. Instead of making choices based on future pain, I would think they would more likely make decisions based on right or wrong if they were given discipline other than hitting them.

Anyone else seeing a pattern here?

What about waterboarding?

my dad believed in timeout.... he took timeout of his day to whoop my ARS when I needed it.