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!
What tripe.
Thanks for your reply. However, my Latin's rusty enough that I lack both an understanding and appreciation of the reference.