Is it normal for parents to hit their children as punishment?

I believe there are things that only "enter" with a good slap. But honestly it's very hard to draw the line between education and abuse, so I'd say be very moderate.

No parents should hit their children for punishment. Parents should make them understood the good and bad things by explanation and conversations only. This is the proper way of treatment, otherwise to hit children is illegal in almost all countries.

If they need a smacking, I will for sure

I'm going to assume you mean spanking. If I have kids I won't do it. I'm a firm believer in using your words. I think that spanking is outdated, and that the people who hit their kids out of anger instead of punishment are totally wrong. Spank your kid to teach them consequences, not because they annoyed you. But, all kids react differently, and there is a very thin line, so I think it's still better to just not do it at all.

Some parents will give their kids a light smack on the bum to get their attention when they have done something especially naughty or dangerous (like if they were about to touch a hot stove), but won't hit them hard enough to actually hurt them. This in my opinion is okay, and I don't think it will scar them mentally, but it depends on the circumstances. Should a parent spank a kid over dropping their ice-cream? No, tell them to be more careful next time. Should a parent spank their kid over deliberately going against your word to ride their bike down a hill without a helmet? Maybe, but I still think that It would be more practical to just explain to them why it's wrong and how to do better.

If you really love your kids, how can you hurt them? Premeditated physical punishment is something only psychopaths do, and they usually enjoy it.

Kind of a last resort. Maybe a way to punish for rebellion. Like say they know they are doing wrong but keep doing so.

Of course it is easy to say and think of certain punishments as right or wrong when having a calm conversation about discipline but when you are fed up and frustrated with some brat's behavior, suddenly things change.

I remember in the last high school day I got dead drunk with friends. When I reached home my mum slapped me so hard. Ouch, I don't remember everything that happened on that day but I do remember that slap. It makes me laugh now.

It normal if they wont listen hit them real bad they need to learn who is the boss.

Parents should DEFINITELY use corporal punishment on their misbehaving kids! There is a huge difference between spanking and abuse. Spanking a misbehaving child can be very beneficial for the child.