dont feel bad .

the times i have hit DS is when i am super frustrated .. and when safety is concerend .. i have only ever smacked DS when its major . i refrain my slef when im just moody and stress from hitting him . if hes just over tired and being pesty then i stop myself and walk away . other wise if he is misbehaving on pourpose , like pulling everything out of my wardrobe 3 times and not staying in time out ..

there are times when retorting is a relfex . like biting you automatically want to hit or bit back .

its ok and i agree that too much smacking violoence will harm a child, if brought up in an already pooe environment .

not a happy loving family like yours x