Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
One important element of training that parents are often confused about is discipline. Let's explore some ideas about why discipline is vitally important for children.
Key Points:
- Every child needs to be trained and parents are like the coach.
- Discipline is about teaching and training your kids to know right from wrong. (Ephesians 6:4.)
- Parental discipline paves the way for children to accept the rule of God in their lives. (Psalm 94:12-13.)
- Discipline demonstrates love. (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18.)
- The effort is worth it and it sets your kids up to be well adjusted adults some day.
Quote This:
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What did discipline look like growing up in your home? How has that shaped your view as a parent now?
- What are some of the behaviors you’ve seen from your kids that they weren’t taught, they just knew how to do them naturally?
- Why is it important to see discipline as coaching and training your kids rather than just punishing them?
- Read Ephesians 6:4. What do you think Paul means by don’t provoke your kids? How have you provoked your kids in the past? What do you need to do differently in the future?
- What do you think about the concept that teaching your kids to obey you helps them to want to obey God?
- Read Psalm 94:12-13. Why does training up your kids through discipline help them to find joy in their lives as they grow?
- Read Proverbs 13:24. Describe what discipline looks like from a mean spirit. Describe what loving discipline should look like. What adjustments do you need to make in your role as a disciplinarian?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
