Discipline

[J. J.]

The most important thing to teach a child is to ask questions.  :-)

They won't know what discipline is without that.

[J. J.]

I think this is an excellent observation.  I hated every moment of "correction" my parents gave me, but looking back on it now, I'm very glad they did.

I, on the other hand, learned that much of what my parents told me was a load of bull**** and have now generally rejected it.  I frankly wish I had stopped listening to them a lot earlier.

[J. J.]

This issue has clearly broken down on party lines.  Is there now a Republican style of parenting versus a Democratic style of parenting?

Some of the people who are against discipline are well-meaning, but I think tragically misguided.  Children are not rational creatures who can be treated like miniature adults, and even many adults can't be treated that way.

I suspect that many who oppose discipline for kids will change their minds when they have kids of their own, or get enough life experience to see what kids really need to develop and grow up properly.

What age of child are we talking about here? Because, if it includes those over 13, I am very offended.

Everyone needs discipline, but the question IS NOT "is discipline important?" but "is discipline the most important thing?"

Exactly. Those answering "disagree" are not saying that they oppose discipline at all.

Nearly everyone; please don't include me.  I think discipline is important, but not the most important thing.  I have seen too many times who "doing what you're told" by an authority figure creates too many problems.

[J. J.]

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

I would suggest you remember that the child will one day probably have to take care of you in your old age.

[J. J.]

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

I would suggest you remember that the child will one day probably have to take care of you in your old age.

Good. And she will still respect me and even more so for teaching her the right way to live.

What goes around comes around.  :-)