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From: tron@fluke.UUCP (Peter Barbee)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Re: corporal punishment
Message-ID: <1153@vax1.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 10-Sep-85 19:57:01 EDT
Article-I.D.: vax1.1153
Posted: Tue Sep 10 19:57:01 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 12-Sep-85 22:55:25 EDT
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Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
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This discussion has strayed a bit from just punishment into "how to
get kids to obey without spanking" and so I thought I'd share a tactic
which has been extremely effective for me.

Since I am the adult (?|-)) I supposedly have the ability to decide that
bedtime (or whatever change in activity) is approaching - and I will
warn Katie (now 4 1/2) by saying "Put your pajamas on in 5 more, okay?",
and making sure she agrees.  I then count down ("4 more, ok?", "3...)
and Katie almost never seriously complains.  When she does complain I'll
usually just say "But you have to" and that works for some reason I don't
know.  I use the technique for everything from bedtime to leaving a play
situation to going to the park, I think Katie just appreciates what is
going to happen next.

One of the hidden advantages is that it is only very recently that Katie
has any sense of time, and so how long "5" is up to you.

My last resort of parental authority is "I'm going to count to 3!!",
I know I've never hit Katie, and I don't think I've ever finished the
ultimatum (what will ahppen at three), but she respects it.  I guess
I should find out what the source of her fear is.

Cheers,
Peter B