One of the biggest problems facing western society in the 21st. century is the deterioration of discipline among the younger generations.  What I mean by discipline is not excessive physical abuse to create a submissive individual, who is afraid to do anything, but more importantly providing a continuing education for children to get the understanding of right from wrong, and also to educate them to observe the general laws, and rules of a civilized society.  With constant verbal reinforcement, children can be made to understand that there will usually be consequences associated with their actions.  Simply put, good actions generally result in good consequences, and vice versa for bad actions.  The resulting consequences can be delivered in the form of privileges either being allowed or taken away from children depending on their actions.  It has always amazed me to see young people and children rebelling with unacceptable behavior just to gain recognition or attention, when that attention could still be forthcoming if the child engaged in something constructive to gain the attention.  Overall, the constructive action type of behavior provides a much better outcome for all concerned, by reducing or even eliminating parenting stress.

Mel Peatey.