[RKDinOKC]

Use a 3/8 in dowel. It stings, it won't leave a mark, and it will break before you can hit hard enough to do any damage (if you get too angry and lose it).

My Dad used his belt.

We had 4 big vacant lots behind our house that all the neighborhood kids played in. Half of it belonged to Dad. Dad was the adult in charge.

He even used his belt on neighbor kids that cause problems. And did it in front of their parents if he took the kid home and the parents sounded like they didn't care what their kid did. Told the parents any time he saw or heard about their kid causing problems with the other kids he would do it again. Most of the kids shaped up quick.

On one occasion when a kid stole my cap rifle and the parents tried tell my Dad it was their kid's. Dad got as pissed off as I ever saw him The threatened to use his belt on the kid's parents as he showed them my name on the rifle. Man, they were really scared! The kid lived 3 blocks away and never showed up again.

Bullies did not last very long in our neighborhood.

After my dad passed and I had to start being the enforcer I told the kids if I caught them acting up I would beat them silly. They told me they would tell on me and I would get arrested for child abuse. I told them just do it again and see what happens. That it would be my first offense and is a $25 fine, and I think it would be worth it. Never had to touch one of them.

One day the kids were playing in the lots and I was sharpening my chain saw to trim the fruit trees. One of the neighbors saw them pick some fruit and throw it at each other. She told them those trees belonged to those people in that house and pointed at our house. Then she said the lady that lives there is real nice, but her son is crazy, not telling what he will do. About that time I walked out of our equipment shed starting the chain saw. I heard a bunch of kids screaming and they all ran off. The neighbor lady was laughing hysterically. For the next year the neighborhood kids watched me like a hawk any time I was outside.