Neither extreme position in the reincarnated discipline controversy offers parents an efficacious model of childrearing today, any more than it did 30 years ago when the authoritative model was developed as a viable alternative to both the conservative (authoritarian) model and the liberal (permissive) model. Each polarized model contains its germ of truth, but each demonizes the other. It is argued here that within a responsive and supportive parent-child relationship, prudent use of punishment is a necessary tool in the disciplinary encounter.