He convinced a generation of parents that disciplining their children was unnecessary, harmful, and barbaric. It seems that as soon as a large number of children raised under this thinking started to reach an age where the consequences became manifest, we got what we have.
And he was so wrong.
My sons significant other is one of those that uses the "best friends" approach with his daughter.
She lived in Philly for the 1st 2 years of the girls life. When my son went and got them over here to start a life the girl was a horrible, spoiled, bully, brat.
After being here for just over a year she is coming around. The significant other is a suck butt liberal and we do not much care for her but my son is doing well with them. He is dead on with the little girl. It causes much tension between him and his mate but he constantly reminds her she is not the only parent and the child will not be a little turd. We continue to work with the girl as we love her and want the best for her. Her Mom..........Man where do these people come from......oh yeah, Dr. Spock.