I got downvoted for making essentially the same point (elsewhere in this same discussion). I think you are 100% correct, but are not likely to win the argument.

I got downvoted for making essentially the same point (elsewhere in this same discussion). I think you are 100% correct, but are not likely to win the argument. People don't like having it pointed out that what is convenient for them is not actually ethical, even if that isn't how you are framing it. They will defend to their death their right to claim "well, it is in the best interest of (the child, employee, whomever)" and ignore the larger point. The irony is this is being suggested by an article that posits we should be nicer to our kids and not punish them. But deception and manipulation, that's apparently totes okay! It is so much nicer! I don't believe in a punishment model. I also did not lie to my kids, nor deceive them nor manipulate them. I have a great relationship with my now adult sons who know they can trust me because I don't pull any of that bullshit. And that's what really matters to me. I sometimes wish I could figure out to share that information effectively to help other parents, but people who justify their shitty behavior don't actually want to be helped. They want the rest of the world to be nicer to benefit themselves, but they don't want to have to deal with the man in the mirror. He's fine. It's everyone else that is bad. And it is usually fruitless to try to debate it. Best.