Consistent Parenting: Consistent Discipline - Living Free - June 20

Consistent Parenting: Consistent Discipline

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad." Proverbs 29:17 NLT

Thoughts for Today
The Bible tells us to discipline our children. As in all things, we are to follow God's pattern. He always disciplines us in love and is always consistent.

Emotional problems in youngsters are not so much a result of the type or amount of appropriate discipline given, but rather the lack of consistency. Our children need the security of knowing what their boundaries are and what will happen if they cross those boundaries.

Consider this . . .
 It is important that both parents agree on what behavior is acceptable and what is unacceptable. They must also agree on what type of discipline they will use when those boundaries are crossed. When parents cannot agree on these things, they should either try to reach a meaningful compromise or allow one parent to be responsible for discipline with the other parent offering support. Either way, parents should present a united front to the child. (This united front is important even if the parents have divorced.)

Consistent discipline is both appropriate and necessary in the training of a child. God disciplines us in love and wisdom. Let's do the same for our children. "Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master." Ephesians 6:4 MSG

Prayer
Father, help me to discipline my children consistently and in love and wisdom.
 In Jesus' name . . .

©Living Free 2024. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org

PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org