When Children use Violence against Parents

Over the past few years, we have heard about more and more cases of children acting out violently against their parents. Once of the most famous cases were the Menendez brothers. Erik and Lyle Menendez not only killed their parents, but did so in such a bloody violent way, that it seemed something right out of a horror movie. They are not the only ones. Most recently a 14 year old boy from Colorado - John Caudle killed his mother and step-father because he didn't want to do his household chores. It is reported that the boy had no remorse, and was actually very happy the day that he drove himself to school in his step-father's truck. The night before, when he killed them, he left them where they lay, played video games, and ate snacks.

What on earth could lead to more and more young people acting out so violently against their parents?

I believe it starts with discipline at an early age. A child needs to know their boundaries. The rules need to be set in stone, and the parents need to remain consistant with punishments. The punishment should fit the crime. So many parents are now afraid to spank their children for fear of retaliation from the government.

It is NOT against the law to spank your child! As long as it was done for the right reason, was not out of anger, and was appropriate, it is perfectly acceptable. Not only is it acceptable, it is really necessary on some occasions.

I'm a lover, not a fighter. I was beaten as a child and I know the difference between a beating and a spanking. As a rule, I think that a parent should try other things first before resorting to a spanking except in a few key situations.

If a child does something that is a danger to themselves or others (playing with a gun or a knife, taking drugs, ect.) then a spanking is in order right away. The child should be told why they are getting the spanking, get the spanking, and then have it explained again. This should then be quickly followed up with hugs and kisses to let them know that you gave them this tough form of discipline because you love them.

Every day when I go out in public, I can easily spot several children in the crowd treating their parents with disrespect. I know that when I was a child, if I said some of the things that I hear from these kids I would have gotten a mouth full of soap or worse. Children do not respect their parents these days, and it's the parent's fault!

Any parent who has a child that treats them with disrepect, makes demands, calls them names or cusses them out needs to take a step back and realize that the child only does it because the parent is ALLOWING them to get away with it.

I am making a plea to all of you parents out there. MAKE YOUR CHILDREN RESPECT YOU! If you don't, you might end up like the parents of John Caudle...dead!