Achieving a Balance in Parenting. Punishment teaches how not to get caught rather than right from wrong. We don't want to get caught. There is a huge difference between discipline and punishment. Are you sure you are differentiating between discipline and punishment.
Consistency is the most important component of discipline.
Moving back and forth between the two gives children mixed messages. Don't negatively reinforce that. If you have not abused him or her, you have nothing to worry about. If you are afraid of a ticket, you will fasten your seatbelt when you drive your car. I have been disciplining my son since he was a newborn.