We have three rules in our home to point out to our kids things they absolutely cannot do. These rules can be found displayed throughout our house: on a big piece of poster board, on the bedroom wall, on the refrigerator, and on the bathroom mirror.
We have three rules in our home to point out to our kids things they absolutely cannot do. These rules can be found displayed throughout our house: on a big piece of poster board, on the bedroom wall, on the refrigerator, and on the bathroom mirror.
Rule #1: Don't ever talk back to Mom and Dad
This is an absolute no-no!
As I say to my kids: "If you can talk back to me, you'll talk back to your teacher. By talking back to your teacher, you'll be in trouble all the time. Then if you start talking back to your boss, it will get you fired, and I'll have to support you for the rest of your life."
Rule #2: Don't argue with your brother and sisters
I tell my children: "If you can't get along with your brother and sisters, you won't be able to get along with your fellow students and you'll just stay in trouble.
"You'll never be able to keep a job because you'll always be fighting with your fellow workers, and I'll be supporting you all your life."
Rule #3: Nobody tells a lie
Jesus said, "I am the truth," (John 14:6). The Word says that the devil is a liar and the father of all liars and that liars will be found in hell (John 8:44; Rev. 21:8).
I tell my children: "Even the worst sinner you have ever met hates a liar. Nobody—whether sinner or saint—likes a liar. But it seems the easiest thing for a human to do is to tell a lie. So always tell the truth."
Rules and Rewards
In discipline, parents need to do two things for their children:
- Set rules for them to follow.
- Have some rewards for their obedience to those rules.
With as many people as there are in our house, words fly at a rapid pace sometimes. But I know when they have reached a certain place and are about to pass the point of no return.
That's when I clap my hands and say, "Time out!" I give the last words.
Rewards are important. Children need some kind of reward, even if it's just a little sticker on a chart. Then their lives will go a little smoother. So find something as a reward, like ice cream, for instance. Just be sure it's something you can afford.
Ask God and believe Him to reward your children. As Scripture says, God is the rewarder. Hebrews 11:6 says, "...he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." In the book of Revelation, He says, "To him that overcometh will I give..." (Rev. 2:7,17).
You need to have certain rules that you are going to enforce consistently. But don't have too many rules for your children to follow.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Joe McGee, author, national conference speaker, father, and former school administrator, is the founder and director of Joe McGee Ministries, Inc. and Faith For Families Ministries.
