Very true, but I've seen what happens to kids who really don't have parental guidance...including butt-warming. I think they actually want to know where that line in the sand is and part of being a parent is making clear what is and is not acceptable behavior. Both of my kids bitched that I was too tough on them while they were growing up. Now both have kids of their own and have thanked me for it. Even better, they're doing the same thing with their kids and that means a lot to me.