Quote Originally Posted by Tojo
...being walloped by the old man never helped me any.
Ditto, I'm afraid. My father spanked me while I was growing up (although they were few and far between, mostly I was a good kid), and even now if I'm a terror I get threatened with a slap. But despite all that, I generally do what I want regardless. My parents however, did raise me to be very responsible, and its one of the comments my friends parents make about me if I go to theirs or we go out partying "Is Tracey going? Make sure you stay with her, she's very responsible." LOL. I think being an only child played a big part in that, and there was always lots of adult company around, so in a way I was almost forced to grow up and act responsible to be part of the social circle.

Both my parents had very strict upbringings, and they didn't want to enforce that onto me. Knowing what it was like, as well as bringing me up in a different country/culture/age than they were brought up in. My parents did the best job they could, and I believe they did a great job of raising me. Scoldings and spankings were there if necessary, and one thing I will always be thankful for is that they never just said 'NO' to something, they always gave me a valid reason over a discussion.

The original argument here was that kids are growing up too fast, and in many ways, particuarly in regards to very young teenagers now, I have to agree. I'm only eighteen, but have never had the desire to dress skanky, or to wear little or no clothing. I still don't own a two piece swim suit. But thats just me. In fact, my mum was wearing jean cut offs and short skirts while I was growing up (and still - at nearly 50, owns a bikini), and I was the one wearing jeans and t-shirts. LOL. I suppose its just because I'm a tom-boy. Anyway, off topic.

Yes, younger children are wearing more revealing clothes, and yes, it is absolutely disgraceful. I saw an eight year old the other day wearing a mini-skirt and make-up. And I was disgusted. I don't even own a mini-skirt!!

Silke, I also agree with your point that there are other ways of punishing a child than just physically. My parents took away my allowance and other privelages if I was horrible. And that, I found, was very bloody effective.

I forget where I was going with this...anyway. Thanks for listening to me ramble.