Parents want their children to love them, and that is why some parents find it really hard to discipline their children. But we need to risk our children’s displeasure. Strong-willed children, especially, need a ’strong-willed’ parent to give them consistent, loving discipline.

The book of Proverbs, a great source for practical, parental wisdom, says, “If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24). Do your children believe that your discipline proves you love them? They may be angry about being disciplined, but they will eventually understand that you were truly loving them in your discipline.

Proverbs says. “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away” (Proverbs 22:15). What sort of discipline should we use? The discipline of teaching. “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it” (Proverbs 22:6). Some parents refuse to discipline. opting to try to always be patient. But being patient with your kids doesn’t mean being patient with any action or attitude, but to patiently see that your children do the right things, have the right attitudes, and make the right choices.

The bible also says that physical discipline may be needed at times. “Don’t fail to correct your children. They won’t die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death” (Proverbs 23:13-14). Today there are many who would dispute this particular aspect of discipline. May I at least plead for punishment that will hurt enough to be effective. But while spanking is at times necessary, punishment need not always be physical – discipline such as taking away certain privileges can be just as painful.

All discipline should have the good of the child at heart and should not be an opportunity for you to vent your anger, frustration, or disappointment. The desire to raise a child in the fear of the Lord comes first. And the bible gives this promise: “Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind.” Proverbs 29:17.

Taken from a devotional in the Daily Study Bible for Women by Jill Briscoe. Verse citations from NLT, emphasis mine.

As the days go by, you can see the cheeky side of Jayden being revealed. While much leeway is still being given for his naughtiness, there will come a time that discipline is needed. Already we are discussing the purchase of the rod / cane.

Sometimes we think children remain children. Forever young and not aware of what they are doing. “They don’t know!” How would they know if we do teach? And really, they do understand. Children learn amazingly well through mimicry. They see and they follow. They assimilate information like a sponge. Just what sort of water would the sponge be soaked in? Clean sparkling water that flows from the river of life, or dirty water that is fit for the pigs?

In Jayden, even at 15 months, he has learnt some do’s and don’ts. He has learned to associate the rod with discipline. With something he should not be doing. Yet after that he knows we still love him. With a great big hug to ease the pain. (Ok it was a gentle touch, he is small. More of a conditioning really).