We used to be smackers too, and same as Arimeh's DS, ours started hitting us back too. We took a different approach to the way we disiplined him - using time out, explaining to him what he did wrong and how to do it right. We also worked out that now his language has developed better, he isnt as naughty. He is able to communicate better and tell us what his problem is, instead of getting angry and lashing out.