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.
