Discipline is both positive and negative. Another devotional listed the five do’s of discipline. This week presents the five don’ts of discipline.
1. Don’t compare. Every child needs acceptance for who he is. Comparing children often crushes the spirit. Encourage each child to be his best self.
2. Don’t overprotect. The ultimate result of protecting your children from the results of their folly is to fill the world with fools. Many parents close their eyes to the faults of their children and take their side against all authorities. If parents fail to see a child’s faults, it is doubtful that the child will see them. Try to see your child as others see him. Don’t be too ready to take his side against school or legal officials.
3. Don’t be a “buddy” to your child. Children need buddies but they also need parents. They can find other buddies. They cannot find other parents. Give your child someone to admire, respect, and emulate.
4. Don’t give up. Raising children is the most difficult, trying thing in the world. Don’t despair. Keep at it and they will most likely turn out all right.
5. Don’t wait too long. Whatever you are going to do with your child, you’d better hurry. In Roughing It, Mark Twain tells the story of an old miner who allowed his claim to run out. Then gold was discovered on the property but it was no longer his. It does not take long for our claim to run out as we work with our children. What we do, we must do quickly.