He stole a kitchen appliance and his dad punished him for it. He seems genuinely sorry and is working hard to make amends in the process growing as a person both socially and financially. This is not abuse, it's a right way to raise a responsible human that takes responsibility for his actions. I think it's heartbreaking that you ignored the relative good in the story and chose to hone in on the "spanking" that a rebellious child may need a few times in his life.