Originally Posted by Darth2000GSR
I think it's more a matter of perspective. I don't do those things because I know they're not right, it's just automatic.
But a kid has to learn those things aren't right...they can't automatically know unless there are some consequences. You can't say "don't do that 'cause it's not right"...they'll just think "WTF does that mean?".
It's like trying to teach a blind person to differentiate between colors.
Okay, and now we're back up to the point a bit earlier in the thread about how there are consequences other than beatings.
You know how little kids always ask, "why?"
Well, at least when they're not just trying to annoy you, they actually do want an explanation.
Do you want that explanation to be "because I'm gonna kick your ass," or do you want to explain why something is right and wrong. It's more than "it just is."
For example,
"Johnny, don't hit your sister."
"Why?"
"Because you could hurt her. Do you want to hurt your sister?"
Unless the kid is totally evil, he ain't gonna say yes.
But hey, if you can't come up with anything other than hitting the kid yourself, then be my guest. If you think what I said just plain won't work, okay. That's your opinion.