Continue with: Whatever Happened to Discipline?

Discipline That Works

THE BIBLE SAYS: "Whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap." -Galatians 6:7. 

Parents naturally want to protect their children, and rightly so. Again, however, balance is needed. You do your children no favors by "rescuing them from the consequences of their errors or by defending them when a teacher or another adult brings real misconduct to your attention. Instead, view those people as your allies. In doing so, you teach your child to respect authority-including yours. -Colossians 3:20. 

THE BIBLE SAYS: "A child left unrestrained brings shame on his mother." -Proverbs 29:15. 

While parents should never be abusive they also need to avoid the other extreme-that of being permissive.   "Children of  permissive parents have little sense that the adults in the house are the ones who are in charge," says the book The Price of Privilege. If you do not assume that he is at the helm. Inevitably, he will make unwise choices that will cause him-and you-grief. -Proverbs 17:25; 29:21. 

THE BIBLE SAYS: "A man will . . .stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh." -Matthew 19:5. 

According to the Bible, a man and woman should be married before children are conceived and should still be together after the children are grown and gone. (Matthew 19:5, 6)  In that sense, you are a good spouse first-a parent second. If your priorities  are reversed, however, your child could come to "think more of himself than it is necessary to think." (Romans 12:3) A "child-centered" family also weakens the marriage relationship. 

HELP FOR PARENTS: For you to accomplish your goal as a parent, your discipline should adhere to these principles.  

Be loving. "Do not be provoking your children, so that they do not become downhearted." -Colossians 3:21.

Be consistent. "Let your word 'Yes, mean yes, your 'No,' no." -Matthew 5:37. 

Be reasonable. "I will discipline you to the proper degree." -Jeremiah 30:11." 

Next time: How to Deal With Loneliness 

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015