Shocking video: Kid slaps mom...on national TV

He needs a good old-fashioned ass whipping. Like the kind I used to get. She better get him straight now or someone else will. He is out of control.

Wow.

I saw the show, and, was not at all surprised, I have seen many white children and Latinos too, smack their parents in the face as hard as this brat did, kick them, on an on, and, usually just laugh and say, thank God your peeps aren't black!

Ain't no way in holy hell that could've been my child!!

This is not a racial issue--i have seen just as many rude black, lation, indian and asian children. Children are just like adults--some will have anger issues. Some children have anger issues that exceed the abilities of even the best parents. He has serious aggression issues that will only grow as he gets older if they aren't dealt with. The child needs therapy. As does the mom to help navigate how to manage this--i am sure its not easy to have a child who is verbally and physically abusive.

Tandy writes, in part, "This is not a racial issue...anger issues...child needs therapy. As does the mom...." Well stated and a very astute observation. You are right on the money. With my being a teacher and a certified intervention counselor, my training leads me to "see" precisely what you have observed. Your thoughts are much in keeping with professional consensus. There is a need to observe the behavior of this child and the behavior of his father, when the two are together, assuming a present father. There is also a need to observe the behavior of the mother and father in the absence of this child. What I see, based on very little information, is the boy is a reflection of his mother. Both exhibit traits of denial and traits of faulting others for their behavior. Most unfortunate, this boy has reached an age of no turning back. His behavior patterns are firmly ingrained and there is little chance those behaviors can be eliminated. This boy’s best hope is to control his behavior rather than cure the causes of his behavior. This boy is doomed to a lifetime of a personal battle to control himself rather than correct his problems; he is now too old to change, like his mother. Dr. Phil is a bozo. He is another Jerry Springer sans the physical fights and nudity. Instantly I noted the video has a background musical score which is employed to manipulate and heighten the emotions of viewers. I also note the boy makes a few nervous glances at someone who is offscreen; this is a partially scripted presentation. Dr. Phil is lining his pockets with money and masturbating his bloated ego by preying upon the problems of others. This popularity of Dr. Phil points to psychological problems and attitude problems of our American peoples who love watching this type of worthless entertainment; this boy is not alone in being head whacked. Okpulot Taha Choctaw Nation

Purl Gurl writes, "There is a need to observe the behavior of this child and the behavior of his father, when the two are together, assuming a present father. There is also a need to observe the behavior of the mother and father in the absence of this child." AGREED AGREED AGREED I am no therapist or certified professional, but it seems like he is imitating someone--perhaps how the father, or other people in the house, treat mom....My guess is that her relationship with her son isn't the only abusive relationship she's in (or has been in). No one instinctively bites the hand that feeds them--he had to learn it was ok to express his anger like this from someone...

Tandy comments, "I am no therapist or certified professional...." Your displayed good common sense is more valuable than high level education or professional training. Tandy adds, "...seems like he is imitating someone...father...mom...." You see? All you need is a bit of common sense to realize the root cause of this boy's problem, and good common sense does not cost five-hundred bucks an hour. This boy learned his behaviors through examples set by his parents or parent. Tandy uses common sense again, "My guess is that her relationship with her son isn't the only abusive relationship she's in (or has been in)." Probably so. This would be very typical. This boy is educated, is articulate, does display reasoning ability. There are no signals of a physical disorder leading to his behavior; he is not mentally disabled. He is displaying a highly emotional response which is, as you write, almost certainly is learned from another or others. There are hints he is conflicted, hints he knows his behavior is wrongful but his trained behavior is more powerful. He appears to be in a battle between loving his mother and acting as he believes he should act, set by example. This boy's aggression "probably" comes from his father and his tearful emotions, from his mother. A good response from his mother would be to take the boy into her arms, love him, then explain they are both behaving wrongfully and both should work together to solve their problems, then sincerely do so, together as a team. This is, as you hint, Tandy, a family in need of good therapy, not a just a child in need of therapy. Okpulot Taha Choctaw Nation

Therapy my eye. He needs discipline on all levels. Obviously he has not been getting any.

The kid needs boundaries. The mother should have established these at infancy. Parents should focus on being PARENTS first and friends later. A child should NEVER feel as if they are on par with their parents even as adults. It is too late for this child since his personality is set, however, he will learn to respect authority. Either at the hands of his mother or the merciless judicial system.

The kid needs discipline, yes. But as I watched the tape I realized that he is smarter than the average kid, with a real depth of self understanding and a sense of justice. Who I thought was a bratty kid out of control was a bit more than that. For me, the key to this exchange is when he tries to explain to his mom how he tapped her with his elbow to get her attention and she elbowed him hard right back. He kept asking her "How would you feel" if he did that to her. Mom refused to answer his question or apologize, falling back on that 'I'm the parent, you're the child, do as I say bs'. And then she tries to get all intellectual on him. And then he slaps her (out of line but trying to make her understand), asking her again, how does that feel to re-emphasize his point. This kid is not stupid. He didn't slap her because he wa spissed; he did it to make his point THAT SHE WAS IGNORING and REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE her MISTAKE. Because sometimes parents are wrong. I suspect that his mom has a quick temper while at the same time, did not set appropriate boundaries when he was younger. But now Junior's a bit too old and too smart to be bullied with the 'I'm the parent, you're the child routine.' He ain't standing for it when he can see that yes, this is mom, but she is fallible. And she's gonna try to keep the illusion going that she is perfect - as kids think about their parents. But he realized her foibles - that w all have - years ago. She cannot bs this kid anymore, no matter how young he is. She needs to treat him with a bit more respect. He's young and doesn't know everything. But he's not a naive four-year old either. She needs to wake up. I also suspect there is no father in the house or that, if so, he is a bully. Never thought I'd be thinking this way but that exchange was very revealing. And she needs to give him a hug.

Pres - you are very observant. There is more to this situation than meets the eye. The problems with this kid didn't start with this segment on Dr. Phil, they go wayyyyyy back. Are you a child psychologist? If not, you missed your calling. Blame should be placed on both sides.

Oh my goodness! I could't believe this video. I'm not saying it's a racial issue...but I do notice the difference in the boundaries that are set for children in african-american homes and other races. I saw a white kid fall out in the grocery store when I was little, and she actually got what she wanted. I thought, "well if it worked for her...maybe it will work for me." I tried that mess and my mom kicked me (not hard) and told me to get my ass up now! I got up immediately, didn't say another word and followed her quietly. Our society has tried to dictate how we discipline our children. Parents can actually get locked up for "whipping" thier kids. These children have no fear of authority, parents or God. I would've slapped the crap out of that kid first and went to therapy later!

Obviously she has no idea how to bring up a child. No, the kid shouldn't hit his mother (of course) but what's been happening before the show? Sounds to me like she's been slapping him a fair amount. Either that or he deserves an Oscar. And she needs to feed him less too. But then I guess that goes for most american parents: slapping or not.

ms. wright comments, "...but I do notice the difference in the boundaries that are set for children in african-american homes and other races."

Are you suggesting only Black Americans make for good parents?

Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation

Not to sound racist. There is a cultural difference in how African Americans raise their children. This doesn't mean we make better parents. It is just a known fact that we don't believe in time out and alot of the ways that society believe is the right way to discipline a child when we know what worked for us in our upbringing. My mother didn't have to raise her hand much at me because the look that she gave me was enough for me to think twice about my actions. When African Americans write about differences displayed in their families don't always think of them as making racist statements. They can't relate because this sort of behavior wasn't tolerated. Some of our differences aren't always positive but in this, statistics showing our children discipling their parents is rarely seen. I'm not saying it doesn't happen.

I dont' think its a racial thing. Because my girlfriend is portuguese and I'am black and she would tell me stories of how her mom would beat the shit out of her when she got out of line...My parent s would beat the shit out of me when I got out of line. And when we get married we are going to beat the shit out of our kids when they get out of line.....

Well, it's always easy to blame the kid. I actually feel sorry for this poor little kid. It's obvious to me, an untrained person, that someone has been hateful to him and he wants that person to "see how it feels". Maybe this is the only time he got the chance to do this. My heart goes out to this child and as for the mother, well, she needs to wake up and do her job, or this child (who is actually way smarter than the average bear) will become yet one more "bad kid" that society hates and blames. Face it. Parents are nearly always the cause of a "bad kid". Not the kid. The parents. The End.

There are more issues there than we know about. That little boy is angry and his mother has so much to do with that. If she didnt react when he hit her, it just makes me believe that she feels guilty about something. As a mother of three children, I would have kicked their butsif one of them tried to raise their hands at me! As much as that kids therapy she needs lessons on being a mom.

if that was my child i promise i will be doing time in prison for taking her life. i was brought up with a good ol fashion ass whippin. theres nothing wrong for beating your kids asses. it's either whip there ass now or someone will do it in jail

Children are gifts from God. It's in the Bible. Sometimes they may appear to be a curse from the devil himself. Jesus can surprise you. Seek the Kingdom of God first. The mother needs a relationship with Jesus. Next offer your son to the Lord. My prayer: This troubled mother is receiving a great light. Mother and son are of one flesh. Lord I bind the spirit of anger that is tearing this woman and her son apart. Lord Jesus send your angels to protect this woman from the snares of the devil. On a psychological note, the boy may only be going through puberty and the mother needs to be there to nurture this critical developmental process for the child. The mother herself is very hot tempered and that's where he is getting the genes from. With God, this woman will love her offspring in way that brings respect to both of them. God's Hot Line Never fails.

Here is an example of today's typical out of control child. What is wrong with this mother? Does she really need Dr. Phil to help her get some backbone? The brat telling her to shut up, arguing with him and then him slapping her in the face. Had he been my child, he'd have gotten whipped so bad he'd be terrified to ever so much as look cross-eyed at me. We grew up that way, and turned out decent and respectful of others and we grew up knowing our boundaries. As far as which race seems the worst in this respect is the Hispanics because they don't even scold their children for fear they might cry. Children are supposed to know that parents/adults are in charge, NOT them. Come on people, get control back. These terrible kids are our future generation. It would be like living life with no laws. Get a real clue. If you don't know how to be a parent then don't have children.

Beck, Don't be a bafoon. I blame the kid and the stupid mom for not doing her job. You feel sorry for this little ingrate? He is no poor little kid whose terrible behavior is the result of someone being hateful to him. He is just an undisciplined little know-it all who needs to be put in his place, taught to shut up and I'd definitely let him see how it feels to have my hand across his behind several times. It is this type of namby pamby behavior that is the problem to begin with. I hope you don't have kids because you would be one of those stupid lazy types who puts up with this ridiculous behavior from you child and then say "I just don't know what to do with him, he won't listen to me?" You'd probalby whine louder than your brat and "Oh, I feel sorry for the little no respectful brat." It is not that this kid is smarter than the average bear, he is just more manipulative. Put him in his place and I guarantee you he won't be pulling that prank again.

I would have to agree that this bratty boy needs his butt beat but good. No kid should ever hit their parent or any adult, argue with them or be allow to tell them to shut up. When I grew up this was totally unheard of because my parents would have have killed me or beat me within an inch of my life. I didn't consider them mean but I knew who was boss and it wasn't me or my siblings. Kids today are totally out of control and the adults need to do something about like, stop worrying about going to jail for keeping these kids in line. That boy is so out of control. Let me have him for a week. He would be scared to breathe the wrong way. Take charge folks, these are our future adults. Now that's a scary thought.