I don't have to spank. I just use that Samuel Jackson "Snakes on a Plane" look and quote, "Enough is enough; I've had it!" The kids fall right in line. Least wise, they did the first time. Now they just laugh. For the record, I don't use any of the profane laced lines that follow.
My siblings and I were severely beaten as children by my dad. I don't believe in that kind of treatment, but I'm not against spanking, to a point and at certain ages. I wouldn't make any recommendations to anyone because I believe that's a decision for each individual to make.
I believe some of the previous posters have made some very good points with regard to communicating expectations, rules and corrective measures. I would add that it would be a good idea to have a keyed lock on your bedroom door, just in case your kids don't react rationally to being corrected.
I'm surprised by how little parents feel obliged to discipline their children. At least that's what I've noticed in the circle of families I've met during functions in our community. Last Friday, my family attended an end of school year party thrown by some people we know. I knew half the families in attendance. I had volunteered to bring my badminton net and cornhole game set for activities. One tween, from a family I didn't know, was running across my cornhole boards. Nobody stepped in to stop this destruction of my property, so I had to go Samuel Jackson.
Another child, who I suspect was from the same family, kept hitting the badminton net with the racket, intentionally. The father was standing right there and didn't say a thing. I told the father, respectfully, that he should stop the child from hitting the net or take the racket. He took the racket and the child had a fit. I suspect the whole family was upset with me until they left the event.
The fact of the matter is, parents who fail to discipline their children are passively enabling their children to become disruptive members of society. I see the results everytime I volunteer at school and everytime I attend a family event, from Cub Scouts to school events to social gatherings.
As one poster mentioned, each child requires a different approach. And I'm not making a case for or against spanking. I just wish people who don't want to raise kids with some semblance of civility wouldn't have children. I know. That's just wishful thinking.
Anyway, my wife said our family probably won't get invited to future events because of me. And that's just fine with me because "Enough is enough; I've had it!"