If you start spanking as soon as they are old enough to understand why,then you won't have to beat them. If you wait so long that it takes a beating to get their attention,then you have already waited too long.

I've spanked all of mine from the time they would test me at the word no. At that age it was just a few licks with a couple sheets of rolled up newspaper,just enough to make noise on their diaper so they would know they were doing wrong and would get punished for it. I don't remember having to spank any of them after about 12-13 years old. At that age I usually take something away. I've never had a major problem with any of my kids.