Pretty hard to properly discipline your kids in public when you can actually be reported and charged with child abuse. Its not really a soft parent mentality these days but an overly active nanny state
I have 2x19 month olds and they have copped a tap on the bum when they have been really naughty. However, I am the first to admit it has been out of anger from me or the mrs and I immediately felt awful about it, and to tell you the truth it was pretty ineffective too. Taking away toys or putting them into isolation in a calm manner works much better.
Of course, this may change when they get older :lol: