I have the same problem as you, BaalHabooze. I’m not against giving petch (I think it has its place) but I get upset with myself when I give my kids petch out of anger.
I find it important to keep my cool. Children are good at getting us worked up. If I keep calm, most of the time I realise that my children are just hungry/hyper/tired or just behaving like children, not purposely getting me upset. In that case, I just try to distract them.
When necessary, warn them calmly of a punishment (which suits the crime) and follow through.