Daily Devotionals by Ardith Keef

     If you love your child raise him on your knees.
    The Lord will show you some interesting things.
     Firstly, the Bible says that "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, and the 
rod of discipline will drive it out".  That does not mean that the only answer is physical
punishment, but it does mean that the child will not naturally grow into correction as he 
is older.
     It also means that there must be something that will be unpleasant to the child, and 
that seems to be almost unbearable to many parents.
     Christian Soldier, please love your child enough to have a private ceremony with 
the Lord about him.  You must see yourself as his caretaker rather than his pleaser.
      Before a year or so, a child should not be struck.  Perhaps if the child is unusually 
precocious a slapped arm or hand in response to deliberate obedience is not bad.
But once the child begins to exhibit deliberate obedience, pain should be the immediate 
result.
     The Bible supports spanking.  Until the child approaches 7-10, the spankings should
 be on a bare bottom with a wooden spoon, and particularly with girls over 6, a switch 
from a small tree is most effective.  It can be to the back of the legs, and while it leaves 
no mark and does not carry the humiliation of the bare bottom, it has a most memorable
sting.
     Do not tolerate the word "no!"  That should be the most severe offense, and all 
offenses of the mouth should be the ones that result in the most painful result.
     Be creative and even if you are angry, administer fair punishment.  Standing in the
corner is terrific beginning age 2 or so.  Sitting on a stool and being quiet is a peaceful
method of enforcement, but is unpleasant enough to the offender that it make a good
impression.
     If these things are decided in prayer, a parent can be consistent without deep 
frustration and ongoing anger.  The issue is, nip it in the bud and be consistent.
      This is rapidly disappearing from our society, and godly parents must remember
that nothing can be done without prayer.
     Brothers and Sisters, I see stunningly spoiled children everywhere.  Don't read the 
books - consult the maker, and take as absolute the things God has said about children.
     You and your children will reap the results for all eternity.