Oh the azz whooping was a staple also...

Funny thing is...they never could figure out that the reason I loved to read was because I was using it to get away from them.

I got berated quite often for being a " bookworm ".

My aunt used to tell me " It isn't going to help you any. You'll always be stupid ".

I looked at her and said " I'm already smarter than you and I'm only 10 "

I took one HELL of a beating for that one. But....the look on her face right before the beating commenced was TOTALLY worth it. lol

IM glad I got my behind whooped. The OP does not seem like he has a well balanced equation though,, nothing about nurturing or rewards.

I think balance is best, if there is nurturing and positive consequences to a childs positive behavior AS well as the chastising and discipline of negative behavior, the formula provides a balance a child needs and thrives on. At least it did for me, but not EVERY child is the same nor is there a one size fits all prescription for raising a healthy and happy child.