I beat my kids unmercifally
Not!
The first few years they got the "fly flap", (not really).
WAS recommended by a grandmotherly type who had raised like 15 kids, and then some.
Old school. She babysat them lovingly.
I liked those pressed cardboard paddles with the little red rubber balls tied to the elastic.
Waay too much air to ever land a shot, but looked great taped to wall.
Watch the animal kingdom. If a cub goes to do something stupid, mama usually bats it up the side of the head. Knocks it over. Some cubs get it the first time. Repeat.