I was raised with the belt and the back of my father's hand....was tough sometimes as I was the typical overactive boy.
Anyway, I've never had to hit my 8 yo daughter to discipline here, not that I wouldn't but it hasn't been necessary. Maybe because she's a female and smart enough to know not to F with me
....I don't know.
But one thing that my wife and I agreed to early on was that we would absolutely not contradict one another when it came to discipline. IMO, the most important rule to follow. If there is a dispute amongst my wife and I we discuss away from my daughter and get back to her with a decision. Once they see an alternative they will always play that hand.