We had to discipline this one today for spitting and hitting her siblings. This is something she started recently. I told her not to do either, and then it was reported to me that she did. So I took her aside and she admitted that she didn't obey. I gave her one spank on the buttocks. It stung, and she cried, but afterwards she apologized to me and to her sister.
Her mother hugged her and told her she love her, that she was committed to teaching her to obey. She understood. And now she is running about enjoying herself and playing. She's been very behaved, too. Amber can be hard headed but she has improved so much. Her parents rarely spank her. The last one must have been months ago, so having to discipline her today was tough for her parents. It always pains to have to discipline kids, but we are reminded of this passage: "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24)
If we love the kids we will do our best to weed out and deal with wrong heart attitudes and behaviors. It doesn't have to be a spanking all the time. God will give us wisdom as to what form of discipline is appropriate to the offense, but the point is we need to discipline the kids. We can't delegate this to others or hope that character issues will simply resolve themselves on their own.
Children with strong personalities can be trained to obey and respect authority. Take for instance, this little girl. She’s an alpha female for sure, but consistent training and discipline has helped to channel her strength in the right way. She’s still in progress. However, she’s definitely improved. Thank you, Lord!
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:11)
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