Thread: When is it ok to beat children into pulp and paste?

Two lessons I guess, firstly it's a good idea not to leave razors where people can pick them up and secondly, that some teenagers can be a pain. Some of my pals certainly gave my parents extra grey hairs when I was a teenager. None were banned and at least a couple repaid my parents kind understanding back in spades when they grew up. Same with my daughter, but now grown-up, she's probably better behaved than I am.

Just my 2 cents. I don't know the whole situation (don't know how it was secured etc) so as to say who's at fault, but when I was a child I had respect for other people's things and historical things and would handle (or only look at) things accordingly. I wasn't brought up in fear, just respect. IMO her last statement is completely unacceptable. The phone idea will probably make nobody better. However, a good talking-to about values, effort, rarity, and a hypothetical 'what-if' with her phone or something else she valued would probably help. And I would definitely talk to the parent about financial repayment from the daughter.

I was always taught (sometimes with physical emphasis) not to touch anything that didn't belong to me without asking first.

I'd cetainly be in favour of some 'car-park counselling' to teach the miscreant some respect.

Again, while I understand the temptation to exact revenge (iphone in the toilet, etc.) I'd argue that while it might make you feel good for a while, in fact it simply re-enforces the behaviour you are trying to rectify, and it lowers you to their level.

I mean, where do you think kids get these attitudes and ideas? Do you think it is a good parenting technique to show them that it is OK to destroy someone's property when they (accidentally or otherwise) do something to yours? Do you think that will produce the behaviours and attitudes in them that you desire them to exhibit?

If more adults behaved in an "adult" way there would be far fewer of these kinds of children in the world, IMO. Children are sponges, so where are they "soaking up" these behaviours? It's not easy, but sometimes you have to man up, put aside your own feelings, and think about how your actions may influence others. And if everyone could do that, if children could see people doing that ... I'd like to live in that world.

James.

Just for the record, (because everyone seems to be using my example) it was a joke. The first part was the real advice. But I am sure you all already knew that.

I think I would talk to the Mom about it. Let her handle the 14 yr old. as tempting as trashing her phone is I doubt you would get any real satisfaction from it.
Thanks for posting, this is making me re-think my choice of display for my razors. I have mine in a large wooden framed box with sections in it hanging on the wall across from the bath, the whole thing is exposed.

The kids have all been instructed in the finer "points" of DONT TOUCH THE RAZORS.

I had thought this sort of problem a "non-problem" because they knew better than to mess with them. When they come over, normally, they ask to see my latest razors and I bring them out and display them, and they are even allowed to handle them under supervision. Mom and Gram supposedly instilled a love of art and antiques in the kids.
Why she took a razor off the bench, why she was playing with it, and why she dropped it (accidental or deliberate) are mysteries never to be solved.
It was only the wise ass denial that set me off.
As for beating a child to a pulp. having been that child, I would never do it. BUT
I DO believe a liberal application of the "Hand of Wisdom" to the "seat of Learning" (as Syslight so briliantly put it) can be an invaluable tool to bring the knowlege of repurcussions for ones actions into sharp focus.

Originally Posted by Magpie

...I DO believe a liberal application of the "Hand of Wisdom" to the "seat of Learning" (as Syslight so briliantly put it) can be an invaluable tool to bring the knowlege of repurcussions for ones actions into sharp focus.

Really? Do you do this with adults who do things you do not like? At work with colleagues? If not, why are children any different?

James.

One thing you could do is see if the parent would let you show her the efforts you went though to obtain and restore a razor. Showing the kid you broke the razor the amount of work and pride you put into it may give her a better understand not to mess with stuff that is not hers. Or have her help you make new scales for it even is the scales were broken before she dropped it still dose not completely save her for dropping the razor and finishing the break and denying any responsibility.

When I was growing up if I ever broke something my dad made me fix it be it accidental or on deliberate. After a few lawn mowers and other tools I started caring for stuff a lot more.

I agree with the others that have said have her work it off. And I would request that the mother let you hold on to her cell phone till she does.

Then I would put her to work sanding dull razors for you so she can see how much work goes into it.