Wish my kids would have been like yours, wolfsister. Mine were boys...and obnoxious when in their terrible twos.
I think I got lucky with her. She has her moments but then I just give her a time out. So far, I've been lucky but you are right. This wouldn't work on all kids. And I also agree that beating a child is never a good idea. A slap on the butt is not beating and can be very effective. I've never had to do that, luckily. Fingers crossed.