12 Secrets for Successful Families - Conclusion of 6. Discipline

BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "Whatever a person is sowing, so shall he reap." -Galatians  6:7.

Be reasonable.  Balance the child's age and competence level  with the weight of the infraction.  Consequences of usually effective when they are related to  the wrong-for example, misuse of the phone might result in the loss of phone privileges for a period of time.  At the same time, avoid making  major issues over minor irritations.

"I try to determine if my child has been deliberately disobedient or if he just made an error in judgment.  There is a difference between a serious trait that needs to be weeded out and a mistake that just needs to be pointed out. -Wendell. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Do not be provoking your children, so that they do not become discouraged." -Colossians 3:21. 

Be loving.  Disciple is much easier for children  to accept and apply when they know that a parent's primary motive is love.

"When our son made mistakes, we reassured him that we are proud of all the good decisions he had made in the past.  We explained that the mistake wouldn't define him as long as he made the needed correction and that we were there to help him do that." -Daniel. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Love is patient and kind." -1 Corinthians 13:4. 

Next time: 12 Secrets for Successful Families - 7: Values

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