It's really a shame the way things have changed. I'm not a parent, but I am close with two of my sisters, who both are. One married to a man in the Navy, and they have a daughter who is now 15. She's one of the smartest, most disciplined people that I've met. The other one married a husband who is away for work most of the time, and had two sons. One is 14, and the other 9. She doesn't use any discipline at all on them. They have free reign over whatever they want. The last time they came here, one of them almost drowned to death, because he wouldn't listen to her mother. My father had to save him- he had to go to the hospital for a concussion. Keep in mind that my father can't swim. The mother wasn't paying any attention at all. The kids were horsing around on rocks, and one fell face-first into the water. Both of them went tearing about the farm the whole trip- we still have tools missing from them. It got so bad that I actually slept a night in my office. That night was well worth it. Those two will be in a State Prison within 10 years, just wait.
It's sad that parents can't use corporal punishment like they used to. In Wyoming, nobody would do anything about it, but I know that we're our little "Mayberry" in the world. Everyone knows everyone, and life is a lot different....
The Navy family lived in Maryland at the time- I doubt the wife would have used corporal punishment much, but I don't think that the need would ever arise. Children want to know the boundaries- set them clearly, and they won't be pushed. I can count the number of spankings that I had on my fingers and toes (Probably wouldn't need many toes). It sets a clear image in your head, and you won't try it again.
My problem is with the brats in the grocery stores that won't quit crying because they can't have candy. The mothers that give them the candy are the worst. You're telling your children that they can have control over you. That's not a good idea! I'd take my chances with the belt before I would let my child walk over me. Of course, with discipline, they'd know what would come if they misbehaved. The spankings wouldn't be needed after a while...
< /Rant>
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