It’s a tough one. On one hand I’d say yes, as I think that is missing in today’s world, but on the other hand, I think there is more openness to people going their own way in life and I honestly think that is a good thing.

Yes kids need to learn by example and teaching them right choices, making wrong choices should have a consequence. I’m often shocked by the attitude of children these days. Even when you just look at their talking back, disrespect, argumenting and refusal to listen.

I have noticed the change in how children are disciplined between my older lot who are in their thirties and my younger ones who are 16 and 7. Things were easier when i was growing up and we had more freedom. Now rules governing children has changed so much and so many things we are not allowed to do anymore for them. My older children could walk to school by themselves, my younger ones have to be seen to their classroom.

I think I had it easier as a kid growing up then my kids have now. There was much more freedom for kids back in my day then they have now. It’s become so unsafe for kiddies

I agree. So many kids get away with murder. There is nothing wrong with discipline.

I am pleased so many of you read my comments. So many of you agree with me too. thank you.

This is quite true and I think the fact that parents are at work a lot more compared to a couple of generations ago. It’s resulted in a lot less guidance for the young ones. And yes there are a lot of parents who seem to be blind when it comes to their kids doing the wrong thing.

I totally agree with every word you said! It is ridiculous and I believe it is part of the reason there is a higher crime rate these days

Totally agree with you a lot of kids get away with to much no wonder there are so many teenagers getting themselves in to trouble with the frredom they have. But the problem is kids seem to think they have to many rights and entitlements these days. Kids get away with a lot more than we ever did when we were little.

I agree with giving children choices. They learn by the consequences of their actions. This was a feature of the Step Programme years ago

There is nothing wrong with giving children choices so they can learn about consequences. Manners never go astray. We should aim to be better role models for our children, firm but fair.

I totally agree, children are no longer taught to respect adults and have good manners. Also a lot of adults will not say anything to another child, I know when I was younger if I done something wrong and mum was not around the adult I was with would give me into trouble, that does not happen now.

Wow! So many different answers to my question! I was talking to a lot of mums today and the general consensus of opinion was that our children do not discipline their kids like we used to! This group of ladies had grandchildren that ranged from angelic princesses to outright little tantrum throwers that hurled rocks over the fence!

I think a lot of parents do give in and do what their children say rather than the other way around.

I believe people aren’t as strict as they used to be. I am teaching my daughter the way i got taught. Parents give in to their children too often.

Oh I certainly believe that kids today get away with a lot! My kids often say to me can we have this, do this that etc and when I say no, I get the “But ???? gets to and their parents let them”. It drives me insane. In my neighbourhood, I see kids as young as 5 roaming the streets alone with their bikes, destroying things in peoples yards, vandalising park equipment at tea time with no parents around to tell them its wrong.
For the older kids (teens) its the same. My hubby works in a job where he often employees apprentices and its a frustrating job because often they don’t care, they don’t want to work, do the hours, the duties required but always expect a good pay, to have special days off and when they don’t get what they want they don’t turn up for work or quit. Young people today expect everything for nothing and I think are a lot more disrespectful.

Completely agree. Being a teacher, it is very hard for us to discipline anymore and the parents certainly do have that attitude regarding their children. I was assaulted by a parent for informing him on his daughter’s behaviour. I have come across very few children who even have basic manners or respect

Discipline should be done with a loving heart. I can remember my kids coming home from school telling me that some of the other kids at school did not feel loved because mum and dad let them do whatever they liked and did not care what they did. Discipline varies from child to child too I think. One child will listen to what is being said to them yet another could throw a ripe royal tantrum over the same incident. Thanks for all your responses. Another important thing to remember is that we were kids ourselves once and we weren’t perfect and I don’t think anyone is for that matter.

Totally agree that children copy what they see. If they see their parents speak disrepectively to people they will do the same. If they see / hear bullying, racism etc they will follow suit

Remember children copy what they see
http://www.startsatsixty.com.au/living/have-over-60s-forgotten-this