Discipline Of Children Produces Children Of Discipline

A child’s behavior begins to change at various stages in their life?

From as early as age 2 (the terrible twos)  a child is no longer completely dependent on its parents.

2. A child can move about more efficiently — run, climb, manipulate objects — but they haven’t learned safety.

He does not realize that standing on a rocking chair might mean a tumble into the corner of the coffee table.

4. They have a measure of independence but no restraint.

A young child doesn’t think about consequences.

3. They can now express their desires, but they haven’t learned tact.

1. Limits are needed

1. We live our whole life with rules and restrictions. No one can avoid them.

2. A child must be trained to respect authority.

3. Proverbs 22:6 – Train in the direction the child should go

This means that parents must be prepared to enforce the rules – Proverbs 29:17

1. Even grownups learn to live with restrictions

1. I Corinthians 6:12 – Not everything lawful is helpful

2. I Corinthians 10:23 – Not everything builds a person up

1. The Bible’s teaching on child discipline

1. Proverbs 13:24 – Love requires discipline

1. Our Father’s example – Hebrews 12:3-11

3. Proverbs 23:13-14 – It will NOT harm the child and will save him from Hell.

4. Proverbs 29:15 – Gives wisdom to the child and prevents embarrassment

5. Rod – “a branch or scion”, a slender stick, a switch (Jeremiah 1:11; Genesis 30:37)

1. When to administer

1. Make sure the child understands what you are saying and is listening

1. If there are distractions, have the child look you in the eyes

1. Have the child acknowledge that he heard you

(1)       “Yes ma’am” or “yes sir” is more than mere politeness

1. Give instruction in simple words and few concepts

(1)       “It’s bedtime. Pick up your toys.” (Good)

1. Most two and three year olds can only grasp one step or idea at a time.

2. Punish willful disobedience or negligence

1. I’m not talking about true accidences.

1. Punishment should be due to the child’s breaking a rule not an accident.

(1)       Never punish because you had bad day.

1. The punishment must hurt

1. The use of a switch on the bottom or legs will not cause permentant injury – Proverbs 23:13-14

2. It may hurt, but they will heal – physically and spiritually – Proverbs 20:30

3. Chasten (literally blows) while there is hope of turning your child from destruction – Proverbs 19:18

4. Strong enough that the child does not want a repeat

1. Initially a single switch may be enough. The startlement alone is sufficent punishment

1. If the child quickly repeats the wrong action, it wasn’t enough.

1. It may take repeated times until the child learns you really mean what you say. Consistency is needed.

1. Older children may need a more severe punishment, but by that time the need for it should be rarer.

5. The punishment is between you and the child. Take him off to the side where friends cannot gloat over his punishment. Never let another child punish for you.

6. The punishment must be timely, two-year-old will not associate a punishment “when Daddy gets home” with a misdeed that morning.

1. They live in the now, the dealings with them must be in the now.

1. Defiance must not be rewarded

1. you can often see it in their eyes. The look of “I dare you”.

(3)       He is testing the limits.

1. Don’t give in just because little Johny is more stubborn than you are.

2. Don’t give in because it is not a convenient time, such as store or restaurant.

1. You will teach them to wait for an audience to defy you.

1. Given today’s anti-disciplinary views, you may have to use a single swat or take the child home to correct.

1. Religious Training

1. Lessons

1. Reverence for God and Jesus

2. Respect for authority

3. Sharing

4. The concept of prayer

5. The concept of worship and the need to be quiet during worship

6. Wrongful actions — lying, stealing, disobeying, etc.

1. Introduce the major characters of the Bible, using simple themes

1. Adam & Eve – Need for doing what God said

2. Cain & Abel – Caring about others

3. Abraham – Trusting God

4. Joseph – God’s Protection

5. Moses – God’s Protection; Loyalty

6. Daniel – God’s Protection

7. Jesus – God’s Love

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Proverbs 13:24  

24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (early).

Proverbs 3:12   (KJV)

12  For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 22:15   (KJV)

15  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13-14   (KJV)

13  Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14  Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 29:15   (KJV)

15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Proverbs 29:17   (KJV)

17  Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.