Discipline

(The Purpose & The Gain)

Discipline Of Children, Produces Children with Discipline

Proverbs 13:24  

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

(If you don’t correct your children, you don’t love them. If you love them, you will be quick to discipline them.) ERV

Proverbs 3:12   (KJV)

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

(The Lord corrects the one he loves, just as a father corrects a child he cares about.) ERV

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.

(Children do foolish things, but if you punish them, they will learn not to do them.) ERV

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.

(Always correct children when they need it. If you spank them, it will not kill them. ¹⁴ In fact, you might save their lives.) ERV

Proverbs 29:15   (KJV)

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

(Punishment and discipline can make children wise, but children who are never corrected will bring shame to their mother.) ERV

Proverbs 29:17   (KJV)

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

(Correct your children whenever they are wrong. Then you will always be proud of them. They will never make you ashamed.) ERV

A Child’s Behavior Begins To Change At Various Stages In Their Life

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

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

They have a measure of independence but no restraint.

A young child doesn’t think about the consequences.

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

Adults Learn To Live With Restrictions

Not everything lawful is helpful – (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Not everything builds a person up – (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Limits Are Needed

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

A child must be trained to respect authority.

Train in the direction the child should go – (Proverbs 22:6)

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

The Bible’s Teaching On Child Discipline

Child Discipline

Love requires discipline – (Proverbs 13:24)

Love will NOT harm the child and can save him from Hell – (Proverbs 23:13-14)

Love gives wisdom to the child and prevents embarrassment – (Proverbs 29:15)

Rod – a branch, a slender stick, a switch (Jeremiah 1:11; Genesis 30:37)

How To Administer Instructions (To A Child) With Love

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

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

 Give instructions in simple words and a few concepts

“It’s bedtime. Pick up your toys.”

Have the child acknowledge that he/she heard you

“Yes ma’am” or “Yes sir” (it’s more than mere politeness)

How To Administer Discipline (To A Child) With Love

Punishment should be due to the child’s breaking a rule, not an accident!

Why Punish Willful Disobedience Or Negligence?

Punishment must be strong enough that the child does not want a repeat.

The Punishment Must Hurt

The use of a switch on the bottom or legs will not cause permanent injury – (Proverbs 23:13-14)

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

Chasten while there is the hope of turning your child from destruction – (Proverbs 19:18)

Initially, a single switch may be enough. Startlement alone may be sufficient punishment.

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

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

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

Defiance Must Not Be Rewarded

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

He/she is testing the limits.

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

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

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

Children and Religious Training

A child should be taught:

Reverence for God and Jesus

Respect for authority

Sharing

The concept of prayer

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

Wrongful actions – (lying, stealing, disobeying, etc.)

Introduce the major characters of the Bible, using simple themes