Consistent Parenting: Consistent Discipline
Thursday, January 30, 2020
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 ...
These thoughts were drawn from ... Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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