Ephesians 6:1-4

Di’s story, When Andrew was two and a half we began to have trouble with getting him to go to sleep at night. We would give him a whipping he would cry and scream then go to bed peacefully. It was an every night affair. We were exhausted just trying to get him to go to bed. One night while Danny’s grandmother was visiting with us and it was getting late. Grandmother noticed that Andrew was standing in front of me with Danny’s belt in his hand just staring at us. I didn’t tell her why he was doing this. The poor child was ready to go to bed and because the whippings had become a nightly thing he had come to be spanked. He thought he had to go through this in order for him to go to bed. That was the beginning of the end of that routine.

Discipline is important in the life of a child to teach them what is the safe and right thing to do. As a worn out mom I can assure you I have done it wrong many times, but here are some lessons I have learned:

· Never discipline in your anger. Take time to calm down.

· Make sure the child knows why they are being disciplined.

· Use the discipline technique that communicates to that child appropriate behavior. All children are different and some just need a verbal warning. Other children respond well to time out or restriction. Use only what is appropriate for a change of behavior.

· Reassure your child of your love and desire for their best.

Please pray today for those moms who are exasperated with their child and need an extra measure of grace.