Is Discipline Non-Existent These Days?

[mumstheword]

I totally feel that there is a lack of discipline today. It's not just discipline though, it's a lack of involved parenting. Kids are not taught respect and manners and acceptable behaviour. Some, Parents have decided they want to be their kids friend. Some are just unaware I think. Some are too busy with work or too into themselves to take the time with their kids.

One of my dc moms is so afraid of a negative reaction from her kid (crying, temper tantrum, hitting, yes a 5 year old that hits her parents), that she pretty much gives into everything. She bargains with the kid, or bribes her or begs her. It's absurd to watch. Sometimes I just sit back and watch in awe. Sometimes I step in and take control of the situation. First, I want them out of my house and can not stand listening to them, second if the other kids are still hear they watch and learn from her and try to pull the same shit with their parents or worse me.
This Mother is a teacher! Wow, hope she can control her class better than she can her own kid. It blows my mind how an educated woman who works with kids can let her daughter act the way she does. Can't wait to see how charming this girl will be as a teenager. Oh and this mother also picks her child up at the very last minute before I close, even though she has been home for an hour and a half. The parents went on vacation and sent the kid to the daycare the entire time. They just don't want to spend time with her and she knows it.

I have another Mother that is completely clueless as to how to discipline her son. She is so overwhelmed with his behaviour that she is still sending him to me for full time daycare while she is on maternity leave with her new child. She is always surprised when I tell her that he was good for me, or that he didn't pull the crap with me that he pulls with her. She says that he won't go to bed or he won't eat or he won't listen. I said "what do you mean he won't? Does he have a choice? Who is in control here?" she laughs and says him. I said, yes and he knows it, that's your whole problem.

My children are not perfect by any means and either am I. But I put in a full effort (most of the time, I am human and have bad days or moments). I teach them manners and respect and do not tolerate them not using them. You will only see my kids pull a temper tantrum in the store once because they will get the message loud and clear that temper tantrums are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. My dd tried one once when I wouldn't buy her a treat. I was halfway through my shopping with a load of stuff in my cart. I was also in a hurry as we had company coming for dinner. I warned her once that if she didn't stop that behaviour immediatly that not only was she not getting a treat when we shop, EVER again , but she will also be taken home and put to bed and will miss out on the visit with friends. Well she kept going so I took her out of the cart, drove her home, put her in her room and she did not get to come down and play with the company, she only came out for dinner (which ended up being order in because I didn't have any food after leaving it at the store.) I explained to the company that I was sorry but teaching my child a lesson was priority and they laughed about it and were fine. My dd has never again pulled a temper tantrum in a store and now she's not allowed to ask for a treat, she has to wait and see if one is offered.