I agree also that kids today need (and WANT, believe it or not) discipline but today's parents are scared to for fear of the courts and jail time. Have yall noticed that almost ALL of the "child experts" either are fresh out of college and/or have no children of their own.
My Dad tore my butt up many times but to this day I DO NOT consider it being abuse, he got my attention so I wouldn't do something worse. Everyone wants to point their fingers at someone else and say "it's their fault......" I will too, it's my Parent's fault that I have never been arrested, I am responsible for my actions, never have been in any serious trouble, support myself and my expensive habits (food, shelter, lights, etc).
I drove a school bus several years ago and didn't have any trouble out of the kids (for the most part) once they realized what was expected from them as far as their behavior was concerned, they showed me respect for what I was doing for them and that respect was returned to them and even today when I see one of "my kids" they stop and talk to me, not bad for a "mean ole bus driver" huh ? Oh, and this was done without laying one finger on any of them, you'd be surprised how quick they come around when Momma has to carry them to school.