my mom used to hit me when i made mistakes. i love my mom but that kind of physical punishments she did only created anger and frustration and imagination of revenge in my mind. she only stopped after one day i was big enough i managed to deflect the broom stick and hit her back. if you hit someone weaker, sure you can make him/her comply. but that will not convey the actual message you want to send to your kids, especially younger kids who are still developing their mental and cognitive functions. kids would have a hard time to learn to resolve problems and conflicts in a proper non-violent human way. spanking is the worst of all, not only that it's physically violent but also sexually abusive.