Discipline Is Not Punishment

Parents are the arbiters of society. They teach children how to behave so that other people will be able to interact meaningfully and productively with them. Proper discipline requires effort. Those who depend narrowly upon punishment are misguided, but so are those who think it kindness not to discipline. A child will have many friends, but only two parents, if that. And parents are more, not less than friends. Friends have very limited authority to correct. Every parent must learn to tolerate the momentary anger or even hatred, directed towards them by their children after necessary corrective acton has been taken.