PARENTS-TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN WITH LOVE

Conclusion of How to Discipline in Love

Of course, children need to know not only the rules but also the penalties for breaking those rules.  Once the penalties have been discussed and are  understood, the rules need to be enforced.  Parents are not being kind if they constantly warn their children about a deserved punishment but fail to carry it out.  "Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad,"  says the Bible.  (Ecclesiastes 8:11)  True, a parent may refrain from punishing  a child in public or around the child's peers, thus saving the young ones some embarrassment.  But children feel more secure and develop more respect and love for their parents when they know that their parents'  'Yes" means yes and their "No" means no - even if that entails punishment. -Matthew 5:37.

If it is to be kind, the punishment and the way it is administered need to be tailored to the child.  "Our two children had different needs when it came to discipline,"  recalls Pam.  "What worked with one child didn't work for the other."  Her husband  Larry, explains:   "Our elder daughter was strong-willed and seemed to respond only to stern discipline.   However,  our younger daughter was very responsive to firm words and even a disapproving  look."  Indeed, kind parents strive to discern what discipline works best for each of their children.

Jehovah sets the pattern for parents in that he knows the strengths and weaknesses of each of his servants.  (Hebrews 4:13)  In addition, when meting out punishment, Jehovah is  neither unduly stern nor overly permissive. Instead, he always disciplines his people "to the proper degree."  (Jeremiah 30:11)  Parents, do  you know your children's strengths and weaknesses?  Are you able to use that knowledge in a positive, kind way to train them?  If so, you are proving that  you love your children.

Next time: Encourage Honest Communication

Watchtower, 2007