Quote Originally Posted by Vahlnir View Post
Kids, by nature, do not always use good judgement, even when they know what they are doing is wrong. I would know. I was one! Adults are expected to be better than that and act their age (though some never outgrow such immaturity), as well as adhere to various societal standards and laws to a much higher degree. So yeah, I'd say different punishments are largely warranted. Not saying that kids should be let off the hook for their behavior, but it comes down to what I said already. Things should be handled differently depending on the situation.
This 100%! children inherently just, lack the proper functions to analyze their actions and how they affect others - punishment should mirror that. Which is why education after the fact *and* before the fact is necessary. You teach timmy not to steal a candy bar, and if he does do it (because he thinks he can get away with it) you put timmy on timeout and then teach him again. Now he knows two things - one, he can't get away with it and two, that it was wrong to try. You don't put timmy in prison and tack a $5000 fine to his head.