DISCIPLINING CHILDREN:  “Discipline” is “behavior that results from training that corrects or molds, perfects mental faculties or moral character, and brings obedience to authority or rules.”  Discipline is not simply punishment.  Breakdowns in discipline have these results:

a.If you don’t communicate understandingly, and when children don’t know what you expect, you’ll lose control and the children’s growth in developing self-discipline will suffer.  Be sure to explain reasons properly before asking for certain actions or results to take place.

b.Once you establish guidelines and boundaries, enforce them impartially and consistently, and promptly address anyone not meeting them or who is challenging them.

c.Since “foolishness is bound in the heart of a child” (Proverbs 22:15), children are immature and personality conflicts rise.  Then address the problem straight on, firmly so it won’t happen again.  Resolve it before it grows.

Conclusion:  explain your expectations or the situation well before putting things into action; set impartial and consistent boundaries and immediately correct anyone transgressing them; address all problems as they occur (by Margot Jones, “The Dangers and Causes of Discipline, Reflections March-April, 2002, p19).