I'm a hands on grandparent and don't believe in beating anyone to make them come around, But my 4 and 6 year old grandaughters know when push comes to shove, a swat on the butt will get their attention. Kids of that age need a strong figure in their lives, but not as a bully. I try and reason with them, but there are a few swats on the butt that has made them respect me more than all the talking I've ever done. Maybe a trained child psychologist could do it hands free, but not everyone is that gifted, and yes if people are beating their children, then the state must interfere, otherwise, stay the fuck out of parents business. My dad used to beat my ass, maybe I deserved some of it, but he enjoyed it too much, that is what I call excessive behavior and needs to be curtailed!