Tip # 2 – Be Consistent:
There are a couple of ways that we need to understand the idea of being consistent as parents. Firstly, we need to understand the importance of being a consistently good example to our children. As parents we need to think about discipline as being much more than what we do when our kids misbehave. Discipline isn’t just about punishment, it includes all of the positive reinforcements of the biblical values that form the basis of a good, happy and productive life. As parents we need to consistently model those biblical values, like unconditional love, forgiveness, self-control and truthfulness to name just a few. A consistent application of “the rules” to both our kids and ourselves as parents is essential to effective discipline.
“Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach.” Matthew 23:3 (CSB)
Secondly, we need to be consistent in our application and enforcement of the rules within our family. This can be very challenging for parents for a number of reasons. Maybe we overreacted yesterday when they clogged the toilet with a toy so today when they clogged the toilet with a shirt, we let them off to try to make up for our over reaction from the day before. This type of inconsistent application of “the rules” merely confuses our children. Likewise, if you have multiple children you want to apply family rules consistently. Obviously, the rules you develop within your family need to be age appropriate. Maybe you would have an earlier bedtime for a toddler than a High Schooler. The point is, when the bedtime rule is broken the appropriate consequences are consistently enforced with all of our children.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (CSB)