Child Discipline

Proverbs 13:24

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Discipline is critical to a child’s life, and if it is not instilled, a child will live a life that brings hurt to themselves. Discipline is not a mean thing to do. Coaches discipline their players if they break the rules. Corporations discipline their employees when they do something that against their company rules. Society disciplines a citizen who breaks the law. Discipline is a necessary part of life so that we don't infringe on another’s freedoms, and so that we don't hurt our own life.

The Scriptures teach the importance of a parent disciplining their child when they do wrong. I am amazed at how the children who come to our church reveal which of their parents practice discipline. The out-of-control child is the one whose parents think that discipline is cruel, but the decent and respectful child is the one whose parents practice discipline. Let me share some principles about the importance of parents disciplining their child.

First, discipline is a Scriptural thing to do. You don't need permission from the state to discipline your child. God gives that right to the parent in His Word. You don't need another’s permission to discipline your own child because that right comes from God. It is as Scriptural to discipline your child as it is to say that a person can only be saved by putting their trust in Christ’s payment on Calvary for salvation. You are obeying God by disciplining your child when they do wrong.

Second, discipline teaches a child respect. A child must learn that the world does not revolve around them, and the only way they will learn this is by a parent disciplining their child when they do wrong. A child who is not disciplined often has no respect for authority, others, and even no respect for themselves. Proper discipline is a way to teach a child to respect authority, others around them, and themselves.

Third, discipline will always include chastening. I am not for beating a child, but a spanking will not hurt a child if done properly, and it teaches them their disobedience to rules will be punished. I believe the best way to spank a child is for the parent to have the child sit and think about what they have done for a few minutes while the parent cools down. If a parent spanks out of anger, they will likely hurt the child. I have found that a few swats by a parent who has themselves under control will do the job needed. A spanking lets the child know that breaking the rules will hurt worse when they become an adult because breaking the rules as an adult often leads to fines from police, and sometimes prison.

Fourth, discipline must be done quickly. God used the word betimes when He talks about disciplining a child. God is teaching that you discipline immediately and the immediate discipline will teach the child much better than waiting until later in their life to start disciplining. You will find that if you start discipline early in a child’s life, you likely won't have to discipline them much through life because they learned to respect others at the early age.

Fifth, discipline shows your love for the child. Not to discipline will lead to a life of hurt, whereas discipline leads to a life of respect and enjoyment. The parent who follows God’s command to discipline their child is the parent who loves their child the most.