When I see a kid acting hellish, I've taken to commenting to those around me, "Geez, it's a shame Mom there doesn't believe in discipline, isn't it?"
Those around me almost always agree audibly. Mom tends to glower, but it's not like she was gonna discipline the kid until I spoke up.
Reminds me of a few weeks back - my afternoon talk show was discussing how best to combat the rising crime here in Houston, and one listener suggested a billboard that says, "If your mama don't raise ya, the police is gonna Tase ya!"
I almost ran off the road laughing.
Great billboard ! and true...
Effective discipline starts with Mom at the earliest of ages. Then Dad, if available, usually does a better job in the later years but Mom still can't turn into a weenie or she'll get walked over.
I have seen a lot of single moms do a very good job of discipline. Look at all the inner-city kids who speak glowingly of their mom or grandma as a strong influence on their positive outcome.
Yes, Dads are necessary but if one is not available, Mom needs to do it.