I was the oldest of 12--I was 13 when 12th child was born. I was expected to set the example so I got more lickin's than any of the rest.
Mom would grab your arm and paddle your butt on occasion--didn't hurt much but was quite a shock.
Major transgression required the belt from Dad--he made a big spectacle out of taking it off and making you bend over the couch--then he would proceed to beat hell outta the couch--didn't hurt at all--but it did make a lasting impression on ya.
I'm sure my father went to his grave very proud of the fact that his children were well behaved in public.
In public 'Children are to be seen but not heard'--I grew up thinking that was a law or something handed down from God to Moses or something.
