Topic : 12/22 Little Mean Girls

I am the youngest of 7, my parents are raising their 16th child... I don't agree with the yelling my mother did, but the spankings I got molded me to the proud person I am today. Corporal punishment is not the ONLY way to punish, but a good methode when used correctly. As long as you follow these general steps in what ever way works best for your family. 1. Calm down... don't be angery while punishing. 2. Quietly talk about what the child did wrong and why they are getting a "spanking". 3. Don't forget to tell them, you love them so very much and what would have happened if they had not made the wrong choice. 4. Be consistant, every time they make this wrong choice they just got punished for... make sure to punish. "Spankings" are not cruel, and are usefull, just don't be too aggresive. 

I too have stripped a bedroom to bare bones. But in addition to consistency, you have to be just as disciplined with your own life. This includes things like proper diet and excersise, alcohol intake, language, respect for our spouses or partner, time at the computer, time in front of the t.v., disciplined in your faith, cleanliness in our homes. Our children are watching everything we do! We need our children to know that we have rules to follow also, and if we can't show that we are disciplined adults, how can we expect them to act accordingly? I evaluate my actions every day and expect more of myself everyday, or it's just not fair to expect more of our children. Boundaries work great with children, they need them. And we need them too! 

 Yes every child is different. But it doesn't change the disipline that needs to be taught.   Too many little  mean girls is the blame for bad parenting. I brought up my point because I feel that it is due to bad parenting because parents want to be their childs friend not a parent.  Too many parents these days just give in and they shouldn't.  Making excuses for the child only makes things worse and takes the blame on what is really happening.   A lot of people blame child behavior as some kind of illness. In todays society, everyone seems to be concearned that their child has an illness wether it be ADD or Anti-social personality.  You know what, that is a bunch of baloney and those children who really have an illness get shoved aside. It also is a way the parents don't have to admitt that they have done bad parenting. So this is my opionion. I attack the subject as a whole and not an individuale case. 

Liz 

Personally I don’t need to punish my kids.  I can ignore most bad behavior because I am a cheerleader for good behavior.  I don’t remember the last time I used a time out.  I consistently get glowing reports about my kid’s behavior so I must be doing something right.  Things like: “Your kids are so helpful and polite and well mannered.”   “They are a pleasure to be around.”  Yes I have gotten one through the teenage years and you know she was a pleasure to be around then too.  I look forward to those years with my other children. 

I know that I am probably in the minority, but I still believe in the good book, also known as The Bible, and the verses that say, "Spare the rod and spoil the child" and "Train up a child in the way you would have him go, and when he is older he will not depart from it."  I was raised with good old fashioned discipline, where, if needed, neither of my parents were afraid of spanking their kids.  There are five of us, all productive parents of beautiful and well mannered children, as well as self supporting members of society.  We, too, were raised with the "if you want something badly enough, you'll work for it" philosophy.    I decided that I wanted to be a teacher, and worked my way through college.   

Now, as a teacher, I see so many children with little, if any, discipline.  I have heard them tell their parents what to do, try to tell those of us in charge of their education and well being what they will and will not do, be down right mean to others and laugh at it, and I could go on.  I have seen children being raised by grandparents and greatgrandparents because the ones who brought them into the world don't want to be responsible for them.  Something has to change or the leaders of tomorrow won't know how to lead in a positive manner! Unfortunately, we live in a sue-happy society and one where parents are so afraid of this now monster called Child Protective Services that they are afraid to try to discipline their own children!  Don't get me wrong, CPS has it's good points, but when it comes to causing parents to fear having their children removed for discipline, that can be nothing but destructive!  Time out doesn't work for all kids, and there comes an age when, if you try that, you will get told exactly where to get off! (And I don't mean high school age either!) 

To those who believe in a little old fashoined discipline, I say "Congratulations" to you! Spread the word that it still works and does no harm. Oh, and for those of you who don't, please note that there is a definite difference between spanking and beating!!  

I know that I am probably in the minority, but I still believe in the good book, also known as The Bible, and the verses that say, "Spare the rod and spoil the child" and "Train up a child in the way you would have him go, and when he is older he will not depart from it."  I was raised with good old fashioned discipline, where, if needed, neither of my parents were afraid of spanking their kids.  There are five of us, all productive parents of beautiful and well mannered children, as well as self supporting members of society.  We, too, were raised with the "if you want something badly enough, you'll work for it" philosophy.    I decided that I wanted to be a teacher, and worked my way through college.   

Now, as a teacher, I see so many children with little, if any, discipline.  I have heard them tell their parents what to do, try to tell those of us in charge of their education and well being what they will and will not do, be down right mean to others and laugh at it, and I could go on.  I have seen children being raised by grandparents and greatgrandparents because the ones who brought them into the world don't want to be responsible for them.  Something has to change or the leaders of tomorrow won't know how to lead in a positive manner! Unfortunately, we live in a sue-happy society and one where parents are so afraid of this now monster called Child Protective Services that they are afraid to try to discipline their own children!  Don't get me wrong, CPS has it's good points, but when it comes to causing parents to fear having their children removed for discipline, that can be nothing but destructive!  Time out doesn't work for all kids, and there comes an age when, if you try that, you will get told exactly where to get off! (And I don't mean high school age either!) 

To those who believe in a little old fashoined discipline, I say "Congratulations" to you! Spread the word that it still works and does no harm. Oh, and for those of you who don't, please note that there is a definite difference between spanking and beating!!