Parenting with Purpose: Correction for Kingdom Kids Part II

Last week we reviewed how adding order into daily schedules can bring more peace in your home and empower you as a parent. This week we will talk about how important discipline is in your home.

Discipline

Myles Monroe in the book Kingdom Parenting eloquently states, and I paraphrase, “…parents must focus on developing their children’s stature.…particularly discipline in behavior…self-control. Jesus was subject to His earthly parents; He submitted willingly to their guidance and training, and through them He learned self-control.” What are your kids learning from you? Do you expect more of them than you yourself are willing to demonstrate? At our church, it is often said, “If the child chooses to follow you, where will you lead him or her?” When parents lack discipline, most likely the child will too. Children behave based on how we act, respond, and communicate (or don’t).

In last week’s example about a child being told repeatedly to clean his room yet still being allowed to play because he “said” it was clean, the parent is at fault – not the child. Discipline yourself! When you ask the first time and allow ample time, you must check it out and hold your child accountable. Correct sooner rather than later, and be consistent. It may take a few times, but his playtime being delayed and shortened will motivate him in the future to, “Obey without delay, without challenge or excuse” (Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp).

In correcting the lying portion of this scenario, one idea from Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel, is to ask the child if he wants lemonade. Go get two clear glasses, and have the child follow you into the bathroom as you fill one glass with toilet water, then go back into the kitchen and fill the other with tap water. Pour both out, and refill with lemonade. Ask your child which one he wants. Explain how lies are like the toilet water glass – it appears all right and harmless, for the most part, but it isn’t. Lies are disgusting to those who hear them. Show the child where the Bible says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22 NIV). Remember Hebrews 12:11, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (NIV).