I don’t necessarily agree that Baldwin’s actions are an indicator that he loves his children, etc., but I will say that the things my dad used to say (and do) make this guy look like a nurturing angel of mercy. I do not, at all, like the idea that his message to his daughter was broadcast to the world. None of us knows the context of this reprimand, for one thing. Condemning this guy for using harsh words with his daughter can only lead to an atmosphere in this society where any parent is afraid to use even the sternest language toward their children lest it be used against them. We already have enough problems with under-disciplined kids in this country.
Thanks, I have been really surprised by people here critical of a parent being a parent. There is no official handbook, and if there was, would everybody really want the government telling us to raise their children? I am not perfect, but none of my boys have ever had to miss school because their black eye hasn’t healed yet. Put the emphasis where it belongs. Baldwin has a different political outlook than I do, but I felt as if I was eavesdropping on a very personal conversation, that I had no business listening to.
Characterizing his words as some form of appropriate discipline is like serving manure as "food" because it is organic.
Words are for communicating discipline with love. You can be stern without lacerating the child's soul and threatening the child "when I get out there I'm going to straighten your a** out..." — that's ABUSE OF POWER.
I'm very glad someone publicized this. Too many irresponsible big-money parents buy their way out of accountability.