Trips to the Woodshed Taught Valuable Lessons

Whatever happened to the days when a kid got in trouble at school, he feared he’d be in “bigger trouble” at home when mom and dad found out? Whatever happened to the days when parents held children more accountable for misbehavior in school?

Whatever happened to the days when parents didn’t run to school to enable junior’s behavior and blame someone else for his poor choices?  Whatever happened to the days when he was taken to the woodshed instead?

Whatever happened to the days when parents supported teachers because they understood the tough job and big responsibility they have? What ever happened to the days when junior was told to make better choices, mind his manners and be respectful, even though he claimed innocence?

Whatever happened to the days when junior “cry babied” about being picked on by the teacher and was told, “That’s too bad, that’s the way it is, learn from it and don’t let it happen again?” The days of, “You created the problem, you find a solution and you work it out,” appear to be long gone. Whatever happened to the days when parents demanded respect and discipline in the home and expected that same behavior in school?

Whatever happened to the days when parents and teachers had more control over kids? Whatever happened to the days when they didn’t have to worry about “putting a hand” on junior or giving a harsh reprimand without fear of reprisal? When did the democratic process become a factor in debating earned consequences for inappropriate behavior?

Whatever happened to the days when children had better manners, were respectful and polite?  Whatever happened to the idea a child could be told, “No” or, “Sorry your feelings got hurt, that’s too bad, learn from it because you behaved inappropriately?”

Whatever happened to the days when junior was told, “Go fetch a branch from the willow tree,” or, “Go to the storage room and bring back the yard stick,” so mom or dad can show their disappointment? What deterrents do we have to replace the stress and anxiety that went along on the fetching journey?  Effective options are limited.

Trips to the woodshed years ago taught valuable lessons. Dads carried on, yelled a lot, hit the wall with the paddle and then gave junior a crack on the bottom, or at least, brothers and sisters thought he did. Younger siblings didn’t want to take the trip to the woodshed so they thought long and hard about inappropriate behavior. A negative became a positive. This is the first in a series of several “Woodshed Articles.”…to be continued next week.