Not to say that corporal punishment is the only way to discipline a child, there are other options to discipline a child such as the power of projection of the voice or body language. Sometimes you may find it to be more effective talking with the child or taking the child's toys away. Sometimes it may be more effective to simply put the child in time out or take the TV set, video games or cell phones. All kids are different so try different ways to punish your child without harming him or her.