Comments on: Encouraging Morals in Younger Children

By: Little Mummy

Little Mummy — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:30:55 +0000

Paula - The behaviour moves into that of a social contract, we treat others the way we wish to be treated, however, if we are treated poorly our own behaviour will adjust accordingly.

By: AmyL

AmyL — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:06:18 +0000

I am a parent who does use spanking, but I limit that to moments of direct defiance or danger. There’s a difference between a situation where a child has made a mistake or done something hurtful on purpose, and a situation where I as parent am being directly defied. I also am not fond of the word punishment, as that implies hurting the child or even getting revenge. As much as possible, I go for the logical consequence. Messes need to be cleaned up. Hurtful words need to be apologized for. Sometimes it really stretches my creativity to find a loving and logical response too behaviors that I want changed, but if I work hard enough I can usually come up with something. And I’m a better parent for it.

By: Barefoot Paula

Barefoot Paula — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:46:01 +0000

what’s the postconventional stage?

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:54:48 +0000

Great post! It makes a lot of sense. I’m always talking to my 6 yr old about actions and the consequences of action for not just herself but the people around her.

By: Abel

Abel — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:48:49 +0000

This is a great topic. However, I don’t agree with punishment. The emotional impact is too great and it may only work right before or immediately after the punishment.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:38:13 +0000

Thanks for a great and informative article. I strongly agree with teaching emotional empathy, especially to girls, as when they reach the ages of 8- 10 years, some of them start changing and become verbal bullies. It is important to teach these girls to become more empathetic.

Sharon