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/^t/Smacking is one of the forms of corporal punishment. Most people would agree, however, that the idea of smacking does not evoke very controversial feelings and it is very often treated as an essential element of bringing children up. People tend not to associate 'innocent' smacking with strong physical violence and the notion that sparring the rod spoils the child is still very popular. Obviously, most parents want their children to be well-behaved, to have good manners and they belive that this can be achieved by means of hard discipline, based on corporal punishment. There are, however, other ways of dealing with the inevitable problems of parenthood. Those, who are strongly against practicing physical power over their children need to work out their own ways of solving problems. Such parents, teach their children discipline by means of explaining things to them and they try to base their relationship with the youngs on mutual understanding and confidence. They do not resort to corporal punishment only because it is an easier way of dealing with the problem.