My parents also taught me kindness by being kind to me, punishing me only when everything else fails. They taught me to not cheat or lie, our family (and the family of one of my uncles) are the most honest Libyan families I know. (It's not something worth bragging since I don't know a lot of people on personal level so I can judge).
I think overusing the punishment/reward system created this generation of instant gratification seekers.
But I do also think it is sad that through this misunderstanding, many parents and children lose one another.
I agree... I think life is always full of these misunderdstandings...
Your parents and family must be very proud of the man you are :)