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modify behaviour, but in the end, if there is complete refusal to accept discipline, what then is left to exercise reasonable controls in the best interests of the child?

It is natural for a child to seek to push the parameters required to guide a child towards understanding the need for behavioural control.

There is surely nothing wrong with a simple smack on the bottom to reinforce this.

I am sure many of us have experienced this without damage or resentment in later life.

I fear that, without such an ultimate sanction, parents will become largely impotent towards control of their children and society will be the loser.

David L Thomson. 24 Laurence Park, Kinglassie.

provided without regard to whether those receiving them are those most in need, it seems the SNP and Greens are determined to impose their particular vision of a nanny state on all of us.

As long as we do what we are told, believe the SNP perspective on everything from Brexit to its demonising of the United Kingdom Government, then it seems the independence alliance will be there to look after us.

Some political leaders are never more sure of themselves than when telling us what to do, and handing out “free” things, that, of course, we have all actually paid for.

It is a vision that comforts some, but will repel many.

I fear that, without such an ultimate sanction, parents will become largely impotent towards control of their children and society will be the losers

Keith Howell. White Moss, West Linton.

Picture: PA. A huge murmuration of starlings dominates the sky over Gretna in the Scottish Borders, flying and swooping before the sun goes down.