I agree with you, discipline seems to be missing at times in modern parenting. Furthermore, taking direct, calm, and responsive actions to childrens behaviors is healthy and important for their development. I am privileged to see this problem from several different fronts.

I feel the avoidance of parents dealing with children's behaviors is caused by an over reaction from past parental practices where children's feelings were not taken into account enough. Like a pendulum, we have, as a general public, swung to far in the other direction and are walking on egg shells around children's feelings; hoping to avoid perpetuating the childhood hurst we experienced as children.

I personally have enjoyed learning about this dynamic from Janet Landsbury. She seems to have a very level headed, yet holistic view of child development that address the importance of our childrens emotions, but without walking on egg shells. Here is a link to her website for those who are interested. http://www.janetlansbury.com

Cheers! And good article!