12 Secrets of Successful Families -Conclusion of 6. Discipline

Be reasonable.    Balance the child's age and competence level with the weight  of the infraction. Consequences are usually most 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 make 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. Discipline 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 were proud of all the good decorations 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 were there to help him do that." -Daniel.

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

Next time:  12 Secrets of Successful Families - 7.  Values

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