Totem wrote:
Naughty, I'm putting my money on those broomsticks and marbles trumping all the stern words your parents gave you concerning your present life being criminal-free. I'm gonna go so far as to say the stern words were something to the effect of, "If you misbehave one more time, we'll send you packing to Grampa and Grandma, and then we'll see how you behave, young man!" Lol, were they monks and monkesses in some Catholic monastary?
No, on all points, well my grandparents were Catholic.
My mother detested the practice and my father wouldn't dare argue with his parents. Not once did such a warning get issued.
When I misbehaved I lost my Nintendo, the ability to pick out what clothes I wanted, the car, the television, the internet, hanging out with my friends, etc.
I had a inherent understanding that my parents were boss and what they said goes. Not once did they advocate, or use violence or physical torment of any sort. No soap in the mouth, no slapping of hands, feet, buttocks, or the face. They simply, as Smash said earlier, outsmarted me every step of the way.
When you are outwitted you are forced to capitulate by primal reason.
Requiring obedience from a child without the use of violence is more than "some stern words". I know I'm wasting my time explaining it to you so I'm going to stop now.