We do punish in Norway as well, just not physically. Usually it is by depriving kids of benefits. When they were smaller I might take some of their toys if they acted out too much. Maybe there would be no TV time etc.

But over time I have tried to get better at positive reinforced. Remark on, complement and reward good behavior.

Other times it is really just more about talking to kids properly after they calm down.

I don’t know much about childhood in Africa, but I a book by the comedian Trevor Noah who grew up in South Africa. He seemed to have a pretty rough childhood but a loving mother who did everything to make him succeed.