Reply #117: I don't think 'scared straight' works

[KurtNYC]

and I don't think it worked here. I note this line from the article:

She said her son still showed no remorse when the police came.

It is often said that "Love is the greatest discipline" and I take that to mean that if you deny your child love for a significant period of time, then you will lose control of them. People will do anything for love. And, conversely, without the hope of love, they may become suicidal or at least self-destructive. My suspicion is that this kid lives a world that is full of threats and put downs; a world with entirely too many "sticks" and not enough "carrots."

I also note that the mother is 27YO and her son is 12 -- maybe it just isn't in their genes to wait for anyting that might approximate love; be it intercourse or material possessions.

I hope they both find a happier path.