My wife is angry with me because she thinks that I am too harsh with the kids when I discipline them. When my four year old is out of control, I will hit his behind. If my eight year old is shouting and won't shut up, I might swipe his bottom.

I want the kids to know that I am in charge. I don't think it harms them to be lightly spanked.

But my wife acts like I'm a Nazi war criminal. She says that I need to talk to the kids or send them to time-out. I do send them to time-out, but if they dawdle, I'll hit them. Then they go to time-out.

Please advise me if you think my behavior is out of bounds. And what can I tell my wife so that she will be with me instead of against me?