To Discipline or Not to Discipline?

That is the question today!  This is such a hot topic, I am going to try not to step on any toes but share some insights.  Discipline comes in many forms and variations, and is often looked at negatively.  But, have you ever seen a child that REALLY needed to be disciplined?  I am not necessarily talking about spanking or swatting - there are many different ways to change a child's behavior without a spanking.  These kids are begging for some discipline.  So many parents today seem scared to discipline, thinking their kids won't like them.  What I find to be interesting is that it's the disciplined kids who typically like their parents more than the undisciplined kids. 

We just adopted three kittens a few weeks ago - one for each daughter.  They are absolutely adorable and we all love them already.  But, they need to be disciplined or they will overrun the house in no time!  I had to pull out the spray bottle, and we have to be consistent with spraying every time they get on the kitchen table or the counter.  If we don't do it now, they will always see the table as their stomping ground and I'd better get used to cats in the casserole! 

So, what do kittens have in common with kids?  Quite a bit, actually!  They both have endless energy and huge hearts that they are ready to share with you, and they both have a need for someone to show them the boundaries in their world.  Who will teach your child what's safe to touch if you don't?  Who will teach your child not to run out into the road if you don't?  Who will teach your child how to play with other kids if you don't?  They are relying on you to point them in the right direction, which includes some course correcting! 

Proverbs 29:15 says, "To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." (NLT) 
Isn't it interesting that the parent is the one disgraced by an undisciplined child?  How many mortified moms have you seen in the grocery store, standing by while their child has a meltdown?  Have you been one?  We've all had those moments that we wish the earth would open up and swallow us whole.  But, if these meltdowns are the norm at your house, maybe some change in how you discipline is in order.  None of us wants to be the "mean" one, but your child will thank you for laying down the law - if not in words then in deeds and behavior.  Maybe it's time to sit down with your spouse and create a list of your family rules.  You can also discuss appropriate consequences for breaking rules, and rewards for following them. 

"Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind." Proverbs 29:17 (NLT)  
I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of happiness and peace of mind!  This proverb makes such sense, doesn't it?  If I instill a sense of discipline in my child, I don't have to worry the second my back is turned.  I can trust that they will remember what they've been taught - whether I'm there at the moment or not. 

If you have questions about discipline and its benefits, I urge you to read the book of Proverbs.  See what God thinks of discipline and its results!