Thanks LimeSlice! I know the same of my own childhood - I would have been given the strap and sent to bed without dinner. I work with teenagers daily, and have excellent relationships with my charges, so I am keen to have the same good relationship with my kids as they grow up - but speaking disrespectfully to an adult (or parent) is a complete no-no in my books.

MrsMac - thank you for your reply, and shared experience. DS most certainly knows all the right things to say, but infrequently demonstrates remorse. The only way that he actually learns is when his fingers are burnt as a result of his own actions.