Today's culture says to let your kids do whatever they want. The Bible tells dads to teach their kids right from wrong... and to carefully discipline them.
Talking Points:
- There’s an ancient parenting paradox: those who love their children care enough to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24
- Contrary to popular opinion, there is such a thing as right and wrong. It’s the parent’s job to teach this in the home. Proverbs 22:6
- Loving discipline turns your child’s heart toward God. First they learn to honor you; later they’ll learn to honor God. Hebrews 12:11
- The 3 C’s of loving discipline:
- Clear: establish clear rules and expectations and the consequences for each.
- Consistent: follow through every time a rule is broken.
- Corrective: consequences should deter them from making the same mistake again.
Discussion:
- Who disciplines more in your home: mom or dad?
- What messages have you heard regarding discipline in our culture? Do you tend to agree or disagree?
- What are some of the foolish things you see in your kids right now? How can discipline help to correct those?
- Describe how your kids learning to obey you (now) will help them to obey God as adults (later).
- Read Hebrews 12:11. What can happen if you don’t discipline your kids? How can you encourage a heart of obedience in your kids?
- Talk about the 3 C’s of discipline. Why is it important to be clear with your rules and expectations? What rules do you need to make clearer to your kids?
- What has happened in the past when you were not consistent with consequences?
- What consequences are most effective with each of your kids right now?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
