Underdiscipline

We are told to: Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. Proverbs 19:8.

UNDERDISCIPLINE might occur in these ways:

• Giving in to the demands of the child. (Been watching at the supermarket checkout stands lately?)

• Threatening the child but never following through with the discipline.

• Threatening 3 or 4 times before administering disciplinary action. One warning should be the limit. "Obedience should be quick, cheerful, and complete."

• Inconsistency. Punishing after one occurrence; ignoring it the next. (This is actually the surest way to continue a negative behavior.)

• Mom and Dad disagreeing on whether to discipline.

• Protection and/or interference by grandparents.

• Hollering at the child. (The fastest way to let him know he has gained control over you.)

• Not suiting the discipline to the offense. (Swearing at Mom deserves more than a "Watch your language, Son.")