Counsel #4 — Discipline CR 295

Picture: Counsel #4 — Discipline CR 295.1

The formative years (specifically ages 0 — 3) are the most important and impactful years for establishing order, discipline, and connection with your child. Establishing these during this age greatly increases the likelihood of having a well-ordered, peace-filled home in the following years.^{[312]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/discipline-a-positive-approach/} Here are some practical suggestions: CR 295.2

• Pray for patience and wisdom before disciplining (even a short prayer can calm your spirit!).
• Have few rules, but consistently enforce the ones that you do have.
• Acknowledge good behavior with genuine praise.
• Offer small rewards for positive actions, like stickers or extra playtime.
• Set clear, age-appropriate rules and expectations.
• Implement logical consequences related to the misbehavior (e.g., if they hit someone, they lose playtime).
• For infants and toddlers, offer a new activity or toy to divert attention from unwanted behavior.
• Be calm—don’t discipline in passion or anger.
• Don’t shout at your children or scold them.
• Keep time-outs short.
• Lead by example: Children learn by watching you. Demonstrate the behavior you expect.
• Refrain from using emotional manipulation or threats.
• Mom and Dad should present a united front.
CR 295

“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” Proverbs 29:17 NIV CR 295.3

“There should always be a fixed principle with Christian parents to be united in the government of their children. There is a fault in this respect with some parents—a lack of union.”  Ellen White in The Adventist Home, p. 314 CR 295.4

Reflect: How do you maintain patience and composure during challenging disciplinary situations? CR 295.5