Your above experience has nothing to do with which religion a child will follow. Unless you are suggesting that if a child does not follow Islam, then they can resort to stealing etc hmmm??
Islam actually advocates using reason...so I agree with njgal...the slap slap approach makes no sense whatsoever.
Plus, if you believe you are truly following the right path and you are setting a good example, then leave it to God that your children too will follow the right path. Have "faith in your faith".