And I apologize if my post implied my kid is coddled, never misbehaves, and is the perfect angel. He's not; he's seven and makes the same mistakes seven-year olds across time have made. He also sees Mom and Dad correcting his misbehaviour in a controlled and mistake-appropriate manner that doesn't, by deliberate reason, include hitting. You pick your parenting style and I'll pick mine.
Hitting a child teaches hitting, period. Hitting may be appropriate to avoid a life threatening injury (Get out of the street!) but no life was threatened with the flying Ragu. My folks used your discipline method, as do I, and I've never raised a hand to my eight year old. I certainly raise my voice, but most effective is a frown, a sigh, and "I'm SO dissapointed in your behavior!"
This Mom's difficulty here was her waspish, wimpy, please lower your voice, as if it was a favor to be asked! This kid is crying out for firm guidance. He does not need to be raised by his Very Best Buddy. Parenting makes you automatically the "bad guy" and if your kids don't tell you at least twice that you are the Worst Parent In The World, you aren't doing your job!
Never spanked your child?
Ever?
What do you do - yell?
Raise your voice?
Repeat yourself when he doesn't obey you the first time?
I have yet to see a parent who does not occasionally use "the board of education" that is not miserable and frustrated.
Maybe you are an exception to the rule, but I have my doubts.
Your son is only seven.
You still have time.
The Book of Proverbs is a great guide - centuries of wisdom practical today.