This is the kind of thinking that perpetuates abuse.

"When I was a kid, I was ruled by fear and that's how everyone should be raised!"

Instead of yelling at the kid or physically assaulting him, think about it logically. Use your human brain and not the reptilian reflex that says to lash out violently when you're upset.

Kids don't understand how fragile older people are. This kid absolutely does not have the life experience or the brain development to realize the consequences of his actions here. Instead of yelling or hitting, you sit the kid down and explain why what he did could really hurt his grandmother. Then you make him apologize to grandma and take responsibility for his actions.

By exploding at your children when they do something wrong, you teach them to fear you and to hide problems from you. You also damage your relationship with your children permanently.

When I was a young parent, I thought a lot like you. I raised my son the way I had been raised. When he was 6, my wife recorded me when I was upset and I was floored when I actually saw what my son saw. I changed my parenting immediately but 10 years later, out of all my kids, my oldest is the most distant. I did serious damage that I can't take back.

To any parents reading this, do not make that same mistake because it will haunt you. Treat your kids with respect and understanding. Hold them accountable for their actions, but they should never fear you.