you know..mom had 6 kids and we were all spanked..sometimes with a belt..that was in the 1970's..all of us grew up ,drug free..problem free..maybe not trauma free,but we survied..now,all of the 9 grandchildren have grown up in the 2000's spank free but with time out and reasoning with them.. some who are in their 2-3 yr range throw major tantrums (something we would never have even dared of trying). it really depends on the child's needs, the parent's qualities..i don't know, i have chosen not to have kids but i did find some good articles for my sister,when you google..tantrums.. www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/tantrums.html www.heptune.com/tantrum.html www.children.webmd.com/tc/temper-tantrums www.mayoclinic.com/health/tantrum most of the suggestions say to give options (kind of distracting them from what they are fitting about) which also gives them a feeling of control.