re: Spinoff from Little League Thread -- What's a Good Parenting "Medium"

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That thread got me thinking. I can see both sides of the argument but the obvious answer is a happy medium. Do all those things until the game is out of reach. I have a 1 year old boy and another boy due in May. I want them to be well rounded young men. I want them to work hard, win yet show compassion and sportsmanship. Not be a total jackass yet not a pussy.

I want to discipline them but go back and forth on the idea of spanking. I don't want to be barbaric but I'm not going to let them get away with things then sit them down and explain to little Timmy why we don't gouge our brothers eyes out.

I guess my question is, what's a happy medium and how do you achieve that? What are your (parents only) thoughts on discipline and spanking? Is a happy medium grounding them?

I'm honestly asking because I was the most boring kid growing up. I didn't get disciplined because I was respectful, did well in school, and wasn't an a-hole. My dad says I was spanked one time when I was about 5 for being crazy in church and that was it.

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"Avoid all extremes" (Proverbs)

if you spank don't do it anger

Make sure you explain why they are being disciplined. and the difference between the child and their behavior...(separate the two)

The time must fit the crime.

Early years =dictatorship to behavior you expect

Teen years = influence to behavior/choices you hope they make

Love unconditionally

Be full of grace

Make sure you and your spouse agree