Greetings, everyone!
In this era, we tend to see some parents not involved in physical discipline but petting children whenever they go wrong. If we spare the rod, the child will spoil. I remember the olden days, when physical discipline was highly recommended, children were well brought up with fear and respect accorded in humility. Children then learned patience, hard work, and honoring their parents and people outside. Teachers would discipline a child with Cain and the child will behave.
I could recall the beatings I used to receive from my parents. If they gave instructions and I failed at keeping them, the next would be beating, and I would behave. Next time the same instructions comes I will not misbehave.
Physical discipline is not the only prerequisite for disciplining children. But prayers are involved. I learned this from my mother. When our stubbornness is too much, she would go inside and pray, mentioning our names in prayer, declaring the word of God upon our lives. This action of my mum made me understand that physical discipline is as important as prayers.
Moreso, some nights she would gather us in the parlor and use the word to teach us the right thing to do. Even till now, though we have grown, our growth doesn't stop her from teaching us the word of God, rebuking us, and instructing us. Parenthood is not about giving birth, but it takes the heart of the parents to teach them the things.
The Bible says; Train up a child in a way, he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
I could remember when my mum video called my younger brother, and she saw his big hair without combing it. My mother shouted at him and said, " You have to look decent, cut your hair, and dress well. The way you dress is the way you will be addressed. My brother nodded in obedience as he went to cut his hair to look handsome. The following day, my mother video called again, and she saw he had cut his hair, and she was happy to see it.
Also, the lifestyle your children are living outside will tell if the parents train or discipline them at home or not. And a good character speaks for the children when parents are not close to or with them. I remembered how my brother's good character spoke for him when something happened in the country where he was staying. And he was defended by his neighbor because they saw how he lived his life.
I will not spoil my children with my sweet words but discipline them at the right time and in the right place
This is my response to the Hivelearners featured contest week 219 episode 1
I love, I care, and I forgive