Comment by spwa4

If you read a child developmental psychology book you will soon notice it is not whether punishment is corporal or not that makes the difference. It is the causal connection between bad behavior and punishment that makes the difference. That is one reason why CPS is so incredibly bad for children.

A violent dad (or mom) can be a far better parent than someone who never touches their children. It is simply not what matters (except in absurdly extreme cases, things that do permanent damage)