There's a big fat line between discipline and child abuse, but many parents have no trouble making that leap.

In Florida, a mother sent her bruised child to school in a T-shirt featuring a long, hand-written note saying the girl had received a 'good whoopin' for poor grades.

Melany Joyce Alexander, 31, is charged with child abuse. She admitted beating the middle school student with a belt that had metal rivets on it, leaving bruises and marks on the child's neck, arms and back.

Authorities would not reveal the age of the child, but since she's a middle school student she's probably around 13. The girl is now living with her stepfather.

Hopefully, the lengthy note Alexander wrote on her kid's white T-shirt gave her a permanent case of carpal tunnel.

On the front of the shirt it said:

"My name is [girl's name]. I currently have all F's in all of my classes. I am not aloud to have a boyfriend no time soon. So back off before I get another good woopin like I got last night. Also I can no longer have any friends until all of my F's are all brought up to C's and up!!!"

The back reads:

"So unless you are helping me with this goal … back off!!! My eating French fries and being a social butterfly is over because I know why my parents send me to school. I now know the IMPORTANCE of my education. I will learn. I will listen to my teachers and be respectful, at all times. I will do these things because I am failing due to my social life. Want to be my friend : ) Help me by not!!!"

I fully support teaching children the value of an education, but it seems this mom could use an education herself.

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