One thing that is harder about not being physical with a punishment is that you have to get very creative to get your point across. Our three boys came out of foster care and due to their past we don't use the board of education on them even though I would love to from time to time. We did however find a loop hole in being physical. Pinches That works pretty good for our situation especially when you tell them " Your going to get pinched and hard too, come here and get it " You almost don't even have to pinch them anymore at that point In public a outburst leading them by the ears works well also. After any punishment we always make sure there is a hug afterwards, gotta make sure that they know that you love them.