How can love and forgiveness fuel healthy intimacy?
What is the proper way to discipline a son or daughter?
In light of the recent allegations of child abuse against Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson, Dr. Greg Smalley felt compelled to address the topic of discipline versus punishment.
“It sparked this debate… I think it’s a good thing to think through. What’s our responsibility as parents? I think there’s way more to it than simply administering the rod to our kids. How do we discipline in a way that helps to train them?”
Greg unpacks both practices.
• Discipline – always about love and training, teaching, equipping; focused on future acts and trajectory of the child.
• Punishment – focuses on inflicting a penalty; revolves around past deeds and often comes out of a parent’s frustration and reaction.
“Where does spanking fit into discipline? Is there a place for it? For me, think about the times back when that verse was written. The point is never about the method, but about using something that is going to effectively discipline. Looking back, we really reserved spanking for very willful moments of disobedience… It begins with understanding our child’s personality and temperament.”
Susie and Greg also explore
• How to tailor an act of discipline to your child’s personality.
• The reactive cycle in parenting and discipline.
• Why it’s good to step away and get right with God before administering discipline.
• The process of giving your children responsibility, and why that leads to a child holding themselves accountable.
• Practicing forgiveness and grace in parenting, not just with our children but with ourselves
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 12:11; Proverbs 13:24; Ephesians 6:4
Featured Songs: On Our Side by Lincoln Brewster; All Things Possible by Mark Schultz; Guardian by Ben Cantelon
