I do believe the theory of how to raise children remained quite static and based on common sense until Dr. Spock came along, that is when spanking became a no no and the general permissiveness that is in vogue today came to be. So the big question is, are children happier, better adjusted and healthier mentally and physically than they were before? On another thread is the report of a teen suicide because of bullying. There seems to be more of that going on so put that one in the no column, healthier, apparently not according to the numbers of diabetics, obese, etc. (another no) mentally better adjusted, look at the numbers seeking escape through drugs and alcohol, I believe that would be another no. Are they performing better academically? Well apparently girls are but not boys, suddenly they have a different style of learning and it isn’t being addressed. Is that another no??? So you tell me where is the great improvement since giving a kid a swat, spank, hit whatever on the diapered bottom became a criminal act?
There is a difference between discipline and abuse, up above a swat, spank, hit was equated to kicking someone in the face, that is absurd. There always have been violent people in this world and there probably always will be but using that as a reason for not disciplining is crazy. Are there fewer violent people since Dr. Spock?
Someone has to show me how the world has become a better place since Dr. Spock arrived cuz I don’t see any improvement, seems like it is getting crazier all the time.
And being seen and not heard and speaking when spoken to is still a good way for a kid to behave in a lot of situations, not at home in the living room but many other times. It didn’t hamper my development nor that of the millions who came before and after me.
@Deja_vu – Ivan is one of the older (not in age but in time on fluther) flutherites who is totally opposed to spanking, I thought maybe he was using another persona.