Spanking? lol.. I don't think I've ever been "spanked" by that definition. "Beat" with a stick? Sure, countless times.
(Disciplining tip: use flexible bamboo/plastic. It bends so you won't break bones, so you can go all out. Make sure the target is wearing clothes as to not cut the skin. It saves you medical bills by preventing infection.)
Ani's got a point regarding the ability to comprehend consequences. Apparently I bit this girl when I was young after watching Lion King. Dad told me off, but I did it again. He bit me hard after the teacher told him what happened, and I never did it again.
Fuck having kids...