Fact: Children are innately good, innocent, worthy, and social.

What the newborn commences with, by way of human nature, is good. It is not neutral, or indifferent, but good - good in the sense that the child is designed to grow in the ability to love. It is human nurture (or lack thereof) that distorts and confuses. —Ashley Montagu

It was a beautiful summer's day. We were strolling around as Cynthia proudly introduced us to her garden. Four-year-old Alexander picked a flower. He was so delighted - with himself, with the flower? I don't know, but his delight was a joy to behold. He was beaming.

Smack! The sound of a strong hand cutting across the back of sturdy little legs. Alexander did not make a sound. "And that's just a taste of what you'll get if I see you doing that again." Alexander's eyes filled with tears that never fell to his face. His self-control was awesome. My daughter, Siena, 2-years old at the time, looked on bewildered. She had never seen a child being slapped or yelled at before.

I know Cynthia quite well. She is a well-meaning woman. She adores this child. She is doing what she believes is best for him. Clearly she believes that Alexander is a contrary little being. She believes that he knows better than to be doing what he is doing, and that he has the ability to control his impulses and actions.

A Battle of Wills
Indigenous Cultures
Problem Children
Parenting: Pleasuring or Policing
Meeting Their Need for Love
Engaging Cooperation
Her Goodness Is Never the Issue
The Heart of the Matter

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