Yes, spanking is effective and appropriate at times for young children. A little pain reinforces better behavior. But, spanking is only effective for young children. When they get to a certain age, and reason kicks in, incentives and disincentives are more effective, e.g. "Oh, I thought you wanted to get some ice cream tonight, but if you keep doing X, we may have to delay that to another day when you're not doing X." Anyway, it seems to have helped with my four kids, who are now all grown. I'm very proud of what they've been able to accomplish.