Child discipline is a BIG question. On a little visit with my 95 year old Muhdea, I took the liberty of asking her what she considered the best advice she could pass on to us from her 95 years re: child discipline. Her name is Mrs. Ella B. Surratt. Her heart…pure gold.

She and Mr. Howard Surratt raised 10 of their own children. Helped with their children’s children…and their children. It’s quite a brood. Can’t remember now how many there are. He’s passed on now. She’s the matriarch of The Family and has outlived her oldest child, Velma Juliette Willis, who passed on at age 79. Outliving your child is quite an emotional issue…even at her age. …but I digress.

Child discipline, her way, was old school. If you failed to listen and heed, a spanking was in order. You could count on it. It worked pretty fine. I know her kids and their kids… and their kids. None have been jailed, all of hers and Daddy’s went to college and are significant contributors to society. Mother & Daddy have also been known, with all the mouths of their own they had to feed, to take in a few strays, myself included. People like this are a blessing to the world. The discipline they instilled is a contributing factor to the loving family we enjoy.

What is your most effective means of child discipline?