Who says you can't discipline your kids these days? that's the problem with kids... their parents are afraid of "cps" well, i've got news for you, you can most certainly discipline your kid as long as you don't break bones... an open hand is is your best friend, doesn't leave long lasting marks as some state laws disallow... and you can use minimal "reasonable" force nescessary to get the message across.. here is a state by state list of the laws of disciplining your child hope this helps.
Click here for the state laws
for instance, Iowa law states that Child endangerment includes using unreasonable force, torture, or cruelty which results in physical injury, is intended to cause serious injury, or causes substantial mental or emotional harm.
let's examine this,
basically it means don't beat him with a weapon, don't strap him to a chair and push bamboo under his nails, don't physically debilitate him, and for heaven sakes don't punish him while wearing a scary mask because that might cause mental or emotional harm...