What is discipline?
[1] The practice or methods of teaching and enforcing acceptable patterns of behavior
To have well mannered, polite and well behaved children is every parents' dream. However if the parents have not been brought up with these principles it will be very difficult for them to instill these principles in their own children, or other parent's children.
Before I agree or disagree whether one should discipline another parent's children, I would like to emphasize that there are a number of forms of discipline. There are mental, verbal, emotional and physical forms of disciplines. With my own children I tend to rarely use the physical form, as I do not believe that it is always necessary. I have my own technique that I find to be very effective. I have certain rules in my home that I expect my children to abide by. They understand the rules, as I have explained to them. Should they not abide by the rules, or not do as I request of them, I do the "1 to 5" counting method, this usually works. If it doesn't work then I tend to raise my voice, however, I have found that punishing them by taking away a favorite toy or privilege works the best. The key to any form of discipline is consistency, whatever your method, and whatever the punishment, do what you say you are going to do. Do not make up empty threats.
If any one of my children brings home a friend, I tend to treat them the same as my own. I would never raise my hand to another parents' child, however I believe that anyone that comes into my home should respect my principles and morals and behave accordingly. Should another child misbehave or go against my principles, in my home, I will reprimand them and I would expect other parents to ensure that my children behave appropriately in their home too.
Past generations have been more discipline driven than those of today. There are far too many distractions in our lives today, parents are too busy with work or cooking dinner to pay attention to the bad or good things that their children are getting up to. It is always easier to let your children sit in front of a television than it would be for you as a parent to sit down with them and perhaps help them with their homework. Children learn a lot through watching others, so placing a child in front of the television is not ideal, as there are so many negatively influential programs on the television, from which the children can pick up the wrong messages. Try to encourage your children to rather play outdoors or read a book, or at least watch something motivational or educational on the television.
Discipline is not only about stopping your children from doing things that are right or wrong, these are just the basics of getting your children to understand what morals and ethics they are going to live their lives by. If your children do not learn the basics from a young age, it could open many doors that you do not want to open. Lies and deceit, stealing, violence, murder, promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, these are all examples of what your children could be tempted to get involved in, should they not have discipline.
Also always remember that a very important part of discipline is praise and acknowledgment of the good things that our children do.
[1]Encarta Dictionary: English (U.K)