Hi, I am a father of a 4 year old boy who is just so out of had sometimes. I was brought up by parents whom would beat me with a belt without a second chance. I know this method is kind of dark ages and i know some parents are still doing it. I would rather not beat my son but there must be a limit to it.

Have you tried taking away your son's privileges whenever he does not listen or when he starts tp act up? For example, depriving him of his favourite dessert, taking away his tv or iPad time... I find this method fair, not physical yet effective. Unfortunately, kids are tethered to material things and depriving them of such privileges makes an apt punishment, in my opinion.

To me, u may wish to use both the hard and soft approach. Some kids need the rod no matter wat. However, give yrself some limit.