Was just going to say that but thought someone might jump all over me. Some behaviours just deserve a quick swat on the butt and a firm NO! It isn't the kids that have changed it is the parents and each generation gets more week-kneed in the presence of their children than the last. I've been in daycare for over 25 years. What kids that come to my daycare learn very quickly is that when I say no I mean no. And while spanking is no longer allowed I do not pander to the kids or speak with smiles or hugs when I am correcting behaviour. They know that they have done wrong by the tone and volume of my voice. BUT because they know what my limits are they rarely push it more than once and because of that there is little need for discipline. I don't send a child to time out I simply tell them in my stern voice to stop, change the activity whatever and they rarely disobey. But when the parents come wow the nonsense that goes on at the door. I can stand only so much of that before I step in and remind the child that they are still in my house and as such will follow the behaviour rules of my house. I love the gaping mouths of the parents as the child stops and settles and does what they are supposed to do and the parent just stands there holding the coat not knowing what just happened.

In fairness to parents they are afraid to parent and who can blame them. "Emotional abuse" that is the culprit. In it's true form yes it is a bad thing with long term negative consequences. But it does not mean never saying no to a child or not buying them what they want or making them eat vegetables or any other "mean" thing on their list. Common sense is so lacking in society as a whole we need to pity the parents as they are just doing what they have been told or their interpretation of what they have been told.