Conclusion of REARING CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Discipline. The Bible stresses the importance of loving discipline.  (Proverbs 1:8) Parents who shirk their responsibility to guide their children today will almost certainly face heartbreaking consequences tomorrow.  Yet, parents are also cautioned against going to the other extreme. "Your fathers," wrote Paul, "do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted."  (Colossians 3:21)  Parents must avoid overcorrecting their children or constantly harping on their shortcomings and criticizing their efforts.

Jehovah God, our heavenly Father, sets the example in providing discipline.  His  correction is never extreme.  "I shall have to chastise you to the proper degree," God told his people. (Jeremiah 46:28) Parents should imitate Jehovah in this regard.  Discipline that exceeds reasonable limits or that goes beyond  the intended purpose of correcting and teaching surely is exasperating.

How can parents determine whether their discipline is effective? They might ask themselves, 'what does my discipline accomplish?' It should teach. Your child should understand why discipline is being administered.  Parents should also be concerned about the aftereffects of their correction.  True, almost all children will at first chafe at discipline. (Hebrews 12:11)   But discipline should never make a child feel frightened or abandoned or leave him with the impression that he is inherently wicked.  Before correcting his people, Jehovah said: "Do not be afraid, . . . for I am with you."  (Jeremiah 46:28)  Yes, correction should be administered in such a way that your child senses that you are with him or her as loving, supporting parents.

Next time: ACQUIRING "SKILLFUL DIRECTION"

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995