What About Discipline?

Definition: A branch of knowledge
A system of rules of conduct or method of practice
A trait of being well behaved
Training to improve strength of self-control
The act of punishing
Controlled behaviour; Self-Control; A systematic method of obtaining obedience.
These are but a few definitions I could find, add your own.

What the Bible Says about Discip
Proverbs 10 v 17 (New Living Translation)
People who accepts discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

Proverbs 13 v 1 (New Living Translation)
A wise child accepts a parents discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction

Proverbs 15 v 32 (New Living Translation)
If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

There are a few more passages in the Bible on the subject – I chose these three.

By these few definitions and passages from the Bible as examples of what discipline is one can safely assume discipline brings order in our homes, place of work, education and life in general. Without an equitable sum of instilled disciplines in life and practice things would be chaotic and without course for us to resolve by fair action. We cannot all be mavericks, though I believe they too have a place in all of life’s symmetricalnesses.

We’ve all heard the saying “bend the tree while it’s still young” which is often meant in reference to an unruly child. Children are such joy (says I with none of my own) as I observe them grow from baby’s, to toddlers, to teens and see the transformation as discipline becomes a part of their upbringing. However, we all have seen how children behave when they are not disciplined. We’ve seen them in shopping malls’; banks and even restaurants amongst other places. Many-a-time I have felt like going to the parent of this (wild) child/ren and say – you are allowed to use assertiveness and/or a firm stance in raising your child you know. But as soon as that thought arise I can imagine getting that parent’s brunt of frustration taken out on me. No thanks! So suck it up, and go on with your life like it never happened. However, concern with a hint of anxiety eminently arises when you think that these kids are the future adults of this beautiful space called life.

Yes, let kids be kids, but let’s help them become better kids and even better adults and discipline them in a fair and healthy manner. I have a little niece (my cousin’s daughter actually) that is a little recusant – and will not listen to anyone – and will sooner throw a tantrum and cause a scene that other’s may think she is being murdered. She is 5 (will soon be six) and have done this since she was about 2 or 3 years old. Her parents and grandparents would just walk away from her and allow her to do as she pleases. Now I’m sorry, but I do not agree with that sort of upbringing.

One day at a family get-together my little princess (as I refer to her and her sister alike) decided to do finger paintings with the dips and feed the goldfish crisps (at the house of our hosts). When I saw this I immediately became outraged and took her gently onto my lap and looked her into the eye and told her that what she did was unacceptable and will not be tolerated. While her mom and grandmother came to her rescue, the dad left the room. Now imagine a very uncomfortable silence as everyone waits for the disciplinarian (yours truly) to bring this unruly child into a tantrum fit. I gave mom and gran a look of “butt out” and little princess started crying and going ape like a little rebel should. I did not let go and I brought her very calmly back to order. I spoke to her like I believe it should have been done before I had to take action. Well, she’s still a tantrum queen with her parents and grandparent, but a princess of note in my presence. She often asks her parents to bring her to me so she can visit. She now loves her uncle Donny and shows exemplary behaviour whilst still being a child with crazy antics. Now it’s my 2 year old nephews turn. He picked up a swear word or 2 at day-care and knows it’s wrong to say it but still does. Well Uncle Donny got hold of him too – let’s see how he’s language progresses. I’d rather have him speak the 11 official languages I have never learned to speak than to have him utter any nonsense.

Now as adults – we too lack discipline in many aspects of our lives. And because of that factor it rubs off on our kinds and ultimately our future.

Here’s a thought from a daddy wanna be: We need children to make good youthful choices to enable them to make good adult decisions. So let’s teach our young ones the discipline they so need, so we can eventually sit back and take the credit for a healthy society in our days of age. What do you think?