Discipline

It seems parents have literally gotten to the point where they're afraid to discipline their children. I'm not talking about hitting, spanking or any form of physical discipline, (in fact I tend to not agree with that at all). I'm talking about what parents do when their children are literally being crazed, spoiled, tantrum-throwing little maniacs, (as kids tend to be from time-to-time), and how they opt to deal with it.

Here's a case in-point. John drew this illustration of a child he just saw in the Ralph's supermarket on our block. This girl, while cute, had turned into a bit of a demonic nightmare, as she plopped herself down in the center of a grocery aisle, and basically started screeching at the top of her lungs for some reason or another. (Chances are, she was just a bit cranky and/or not getting her way in some manner).

That said, the Mother attempted to address her daughter as follows:

"My goodness. You're in a bad mood. Please stop that. Please, please, please stop that" in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

Needless to say, it didn't work.

I don't know what this business is of begging and pleading with your children to listen to you as its parent and guide. You shouldn't have to ask a shrieking child to, "...please stop doing that." You should simply be able to say, in a stern, direct manner - "I am not going to tolerate that kind of behavior from you, and if it continues, there will be consequences."

Albeit, that language might be a bit too elevated for a toddler, but you get my drift.

And, on another note, maybe that language isn't too elevated. Kids are sponges and I feel like they're treated like morons.

But that's another post.

Correct me if I'm wrong - but this soft-spoken business, when dealing with a child who is clearly not a moron and who is clearly manipulating its parent because it knows it can, is absurd.

Look, I know many parents out there might come after me for this - because I've never been there - and I'm sure there is a bit of desperation on the part of the parent - particularly when in public - but I guess what I'm getting at, is that too many parents want to be their children's friends - and not disciplinarians, even when it's in the best interest of the child.

And look - I've seen the opposite end of the spectrum as well - unnecessarily harsh discipline that doesn't really seem to do much other than hurt - but again, this sweet, begging/pleading stuff is just nauseating.

We all have to learn our lessons - both as kids and as adults. And look, I'm more than willing to admit that I have absolutely NO IDEA whether or not I could effectively discipline a crazed maniacal little toddler... but I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't say please in a voice that smacks of Cartman's Mom on South Park. "Poopsykins" anyone?

Alright, we're open for comments folks.

Oh - and my sincerest thanks to my hubby John for the AWESOME illustration. Love, love, love.