Perhaps you are right, firm is a better word than strict.
Then I am a FIRM father.
You are right too, about the "self-respect" thing. Whatever
disciplining should be done indoors. No point in the parent
screaming his/her head off in a public place. Break the bad habit,
not the spirit of the child.
One important issue to note: when discipline is meted out, the
parent concern should NOT FEEL RAGE within him. Once there is rage,
the discipline process has lost it's meaning. It will evolved to
just beating the crap out of the child for the sake of releasing
the pent out frustration. However, this is not a simple emotion to
overcome or control. I'd advice walking away the moment the anger
turns to rage.
If a parent loses control of his child at a tender
kindergarten-going age what other influence can he claim to have
when this child turns into a teenager.
Instill enough self-discipline in a child at a young age, you will
never have to worry too much about him when he grows up.
My children and me? We are best of friends....
