>BTW - I recently left my job as a child-protective investigator and MC
>would have had problems regarding throwing water in the face(s) as a
>"solution" with his human children's behavior.  It is surprising that
>after the uproar- over the Letterman incident, that he admits this!
 
Problems?  With the county/city?  I doubt it.  Perhaps if used as a means
to harass my children, but not in a disciplinary manner.  Problems with my
children?  Nope, my grown children are great, have great personal values
and were very well mannered children and are very well liked adults.  The
'water in the face' is now being used with my grandson, to let him know
when his behavior becomes 'excessive' and therefore unaceptable.
 
Difference between what happened on the Letterman show and how I taught my
children how to think is: Letterman's act was a stunt to gather laughs at
the expense of a caged animal, my actions with my children were implemented
to make them think before acting, which is what discipline is all about.
Water used as a means of discipline is highly recommended by most children
behavioralists.  It is taught here in Reno as an alternative to spanking,
striking, and other physical reactions to immediate unacceptable behavior.
That, coupled with 'time outs' and revocation of certain privileges is a
VERY acceptable punishment.
 
Water, when used as an immediate behavior modification is also recommended
for our furkids...to me, it is one of the acceptable alternatives to
striking the fuzzy when biting.  Many fuzzy owners have tried squirt guns
as a means of directing water at a recalcitrant ferret.  (Usually doesn't
work, the ferret thinks it's fun!  HEH.) A glass of water is usually enough
to remind the fuzzy that what he is doing is unacceptable.
 
Like any kind of punishment, the circumstances will always dictate the type
of correction needed.  (Well..I suppose *where* you are would also..after
all, a glass of water all over the shelves of the supermarket might not be
too well received!  <GRIN>)
 
As usual, each individual has to make a determination as to what kind of
discipline is needed to help train a ferret, and I would support any and
all, short of striking the little creatures.
 
MC,  The Rude One
[Posted in FML issue 2466]