My mom was a single mom, for the most part. Only once was physical punishment on the table. I was due 5 spankings when I was like ten years old. She let me choose when they would happen. I could have two tonight, two tomorrow, etc. When I decided on one each day, we had already talked about what I did wrong and why it was wrong. That was in 6th grade. My understanding of right and wrong was reinforced. I never forgot it. If you’re curious, it was because I lied about thinking I was cool to swear with friends. It wasn’t cool. A neighbor parent ratted me out for acting like a nigger. Mom taught me to be better than that.