[Jack of all Trades]

..Stanton-Cromwell said the cookie serves as "a good calmer" for kids who are acting up..

Yes by all means give sweets to a child who is behaving badly. If you want to give hime more energy to reinforce that behavior, that is.

I find that a varying grip just below the ears works better though. By now, usually all I have to do is place my hand on my sons shoulders or neck, and he comes into line. There is no substitute for firm consistent discilpine.

[polymuser]

Echoing your tagline, I'd say her 'veneer of civilization' wasn't glued well.

[SuziQ]

By now, usually all I have to do is place my hand on my sons shoulders or neck, and he comes into line.

My husband used that method very successfully when dealing with our sons' Cub Scout troopmates. He said all he had to do was put his hand on the young man's shoulder and press down ever so slightly while explaining matters to him. It established just who the 'big dog' was. ;o)

[cubreporter]

firm consistent discipline.

Exactly. Positively. Also, there is plenty of love along with it but the discipline must be enforced or God help the country when these kids grow up and are told NO in school or wherever. Personally, I'm pretty sick and tired of seeing mothers dressed in low slungs and trying to look "cool" instead of acting and behaving like a mother. Bring back the aprons... :)