Exactly! In paying careful attention to their behavior, they are almost always the same people who are complaining, miserable and have difficult relationships surrounding them too. My father was awful, and I would never ever think about hitting my child, because I've seen how detrimental it is (I took one route, my brother took the other, and he is no longer with us) With that being said, there's very little room for a middle ground. (Though possible, I find it very rare) Our daughter is 9 and will push buttons like any child her age, but I think it's so much easier to sit down and communicate with her. She's not only years above her peers as far as solving conflict but excels in most other aspects as well. ( the wild fire is still in her eyes from time to time though) haha. But I'm incredibly grateful to be able to communicate with her and not have the threat of force or physical harm being the reason that she listens. I think that is one of the most illogical ways to raise a child. The problem is that until parents stop seeing tiny humans as their property, this type of thinking will continue. It's disheartening! but I'm happy You speak about this as well! Nice to informally meet you and sorry about the long rant! Haha