Alan & Brenda Leonard

> << So my H and I never wanted
> to spank the two girls we have (now 6 & 5), but we
> discovered that if you don't punish, they will not
> learn. Talking doesn't work. >>

Talking really does work, but it sometimes requires us as adults to revise
our attitudes and expectations. When my son was about 3 or 4, it finally
occurred to me that I was often upset with him for things that were my
fault. For example, melt-downs and whining were a late afternoon problem.
The solution turned out to a mid-afternoon snack that was more like a second
lunch. Eat, drink, and be merry. Literally.

My son is now 6. I'm finding 6 so much more mature than 4-5, that it's easy
for me to expect him to be too responsible, too patient, too whatever. It
certainly isn't fair for me to punish him for my too-grandiose expectations.

I don't think children need punishment at all. How about patience, love,
and talking about life?

brenda