As a young parent I agreed 100% with my now Ex that kids needed
to know who was boss all the time. We looked at my sisters girl
and sadly reflected that the poor kid was doomed because she was
allowed to use a pacifier and she was THREE..lol. We also knew
exactly how a marriage stayed strong and stable. We "knew" a heck of alot!
After two easy child's we had our first difficult child and common sense told me
that everything could not be designated as an "A" issue. Ex thoroughly believed (and still does 40 years later) that "giving
in" was a sign of weak parenting.
In answer to your question? Yes, learning to sort through issues
is difficult. Yes, I also believe it is necessary. Ex still believes the belt would have solved all the problems. Not! DDD