One has to bear in mind that a child is young and doesn't have the understanding of the world an adult has and, therfore, trying to appeal to their sense of reason can often be a pointless task.
If a child is doing something potentially harmful, and reasoning with them doesn't work, surely a firm yet gentle smack is in the childs interest?
However, I think other methods should be tried first. I know my mother would make me sit facing the corner with my hands on my head and think about what I had done.
But at times, she would smack me. "Hold out your hand" was a phrase often uttered, usually followed by one smack on my open palm. Enough to get the message across, but not enough to do any damage. I actually see no problem with that.
If your child is of wise enough mind to be reasoned with then, fantastic, reason away. If not, you will have to find alterior methods of getting your point across.
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