Last week we took a look at a Newsweek article discussing the controversial topic of spanking. This week let's look at the article from The New York Times asking if "Shouting has replaced spanking".

When I speak about parenting there is a great deal of emotion tied to the topic of discipline. There is also a great deal of confusion on the part of many parents as they ask, "How should I discipline my child?"

As discussed last week:

• Mom and Dad need to be in agreement. Parents should discipline to change behavior that is defiant, destructive or dangerous.
• We also took a look at some basics in disciplining...
  • Don't discipline in anger.
  • Pick your battles wisely and win ‘em!
  • Set legitimate consequences and be consistent.

What The New York Times had to say:

• "...(parents) are at a loss for what they can do. They resort to reminding, nagging, timeout, counting 1-2-3 and quickly realize that those strategies don't work to change behavior. In the absence of tools that really work, they feel frustrated and angry and raise their voice."
• Shouting has become a poor substitute for legitimate discipline.

My Take Aways:

• Don't believe the lies of the world. Lies like: Your child will not respond to loving discipline. Your child will resent you if you discipline him. You will break their spirit if you discipline.
• Instead believe the truth of God's word. The book of Proverbs is full of parenting instruction. For example: Proverbs 29:17 "Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul."

• Take a look at 1 Samuel 3:11-13. Eli's family paid a great price because he failed to "restrain his contemptible sons."

• Be a student of your child. Disciplining your child is the loving thing to do and spanking is a legitimate form of loving discipline. Shouting is not.