I think
Telling them you're 'not angry, just disappointed' works a treat. And also making thinly veiled references to 'mummy and daddy's marital difficulties' is good for a guilt trip. I mean, no kid wants to know that they've ruined their parents' marriage, do they?

On the other hand, maybe a short sharp rap on the back of the hand never hurt anyone. I was thrashed to (what I thought at the time) was an inch of my life, and it just made me hate my father (for a while) and be scared to stand up for myself without braining my opponent with hard objects (throughout my teenage years)
I reckon somewhere in the region of moderation is fine. Would you have wanted it done to yourself? If yes, go ahead. if no, leave off.
(pacman_40 Pocket Kleenex: for the wanker on the go, Mon 5 May 2008, 10:41, Reply)