Dear Dr. Phil: We watch your shows with regularity but at times I find you
tend to be abrasive when people are seeking your help. The mother who's
son, Noah had slapped her in the face which I feel she should have responded
as you would have. His action was unaceptable but when she asked you,
"What do I do?" you made some remark that implied she should have
done something. I normally tape the show, but I found your coment distrubing
because these people come to you seeking help and if they knew the answer
they would not have comeseeking your advice. It would seem your response
should be, "I'm going to teach you what needs to be done and how to handle it".
Why do you blame someone for w hat they do not know. Yes, they need a wake up
call so they will pay attention to what points your trying to get across; but
rude remarks are not called for. Parenting is often learned via role models
and by the time we become grandparents and the children have left the
nest, we finally figure what we should have, could have done. With single
parent homes today and the mother is carrying much of the burden of
raising the child and working; she is under a great deal of stress and children
do not get the attention they need and so they act out ; often influenced
by peer pressure. These parents come to you for help and I would encourage
them with positive reinforement and guide them to where they need to be.
