IS IT ME???

[mom2taz]

many good points...esp. tantricia44 -- you hit many nails on the head.
I am a retired social worker.  I worked with the mental health, children services and court systems for nearly 20 years.  You see a lot of changes in that time.   For as long as there have been parents having children there have been issues about the best / right / wrong ways to raise kids. 
I do not believe that any ONE theory in raising children is the best...I feel that a parent must be eclectic, flexible, creative and develop a parenting plan specifically geared towards the individual needs and learning style of each child. 
In the 1950's just the threat of getting caught, spanked, grounded was a huge deterrent for most children.  I know that too many parents physically abuse children under the shroud of "discipline" and do not know where to draw the line at where discipline becomes abuse...but that line has two sides.  I also know there are children that claim "abuse" just to maintain power and control over the parents.  I agree with the thought that in most cases, spanking for example, is discipline unless it causes physical harm (bruises, welts, etc) and should be used in moderation.  But spanking, even when used in an "acceptable" manner should not be the only form of discipline a parent uses. 
But those individuals that abused that form of discipline created a big mess ...a snowball effect that carried over into the school system (for example, it is now the policy in many schools that they cannot paddle a child). 
All of the changes in society over the years...not just the advances in technology and such, but also the changes in parenting theory and styles that have been overwhelming to people that resulted in somewhat of a domino effect that has brought us to where we are today.  Kids seem to grow up so much faster now, with single parent families, both parents working, economic issues, increased involvement of the social system and the court systems, modifications in the school systems, ...and believe it or not, I have actually witnessed several cases in which the parents do far less than they are expected as parents because they rely on the school, courts and social systems to "parent" their child more than they parent their own child.   

[hayhal74]

They totally are.......and I feel it is lack of structure and discipline!

[Kittyclaws390]

I believe children don't need spakings but they do need a GOOD form of discipline and to grow up with a good moral attitude and encourgement instead of hoping they will grow to be good children, and putting fear of you on them (cause you should be looked up to not looked away from). Guide them into it and show them the love they need

[mom2taz]

....."you should be looked up to not looked away from".....

so true.....and respected, not feared.  !!

[franlee46]

Children need their parents time, love and attention.

This is hitting the nail on the head i agree with you children act out because they are looking for attention even if you have to schedule time in your blackberry then just do it Time spent with your children is what will give them the stability that they need.  So make time that is what is important