When I was a kid, my parents used a leather strap instead of a paddle on my ass when I "got out of line." Usually my mother would chase me, miss and get me on the back of the legs, that hurt and left marks, but when my father hit me, he didn't miss and I went flying across the floor and had a sore ass for days. Do you think it was improper? Would you say my parents mistreated me? Child abuse?
At the time, I wasn't too thrilled, but as an adult, I guess it was for the better because I didn't do the stupid shit kids do today (rob stores, vandalize for "kicks" or shoot other kids). I wound up responsible, respectful and self supporting.