My son came up to me and asked how he managed to get both gentle parenting, and ass whoopings. I told him he got lucky. My kids had times of taking advantage of me, but my dad would get very angry because he didn't agree with the way I explained everything to them so they'd understand what they did wrong. That's the best way to make sure they don't do it again.

But if they stepped out of line taking my kindness for weakness, they got talked to basically saying what that their lack of respect meant that I should be doing less for them. Ungrateful people get nothing. Unbehaving children causing their mother stress, don't get treats. I do not tolerate disrespect. I put up with a whole lot, but that was my line. My kids have very good manners. My pet peeve shows!