The couple had a seven year old son. He was constantly misbehaving. It was like he looked for ways to get in trouble. The parents screamed at him when he did something wrong, but it didn't seem to make much difference. Occasionally, they gave him a spanking, but that didn't really seem to solve anything. They wondered if all children are like this. Was this child different? Nothing seemed to work. In the meantime, his behavior was not improving, it was getting worse. They never really thought that it had anything to do with their parenting style. Let's face it, screaming with an occasional spanking really didn't make much difference.
On the next visit to their pediatrician, the mother explained the problem and asked for suggestions. The doctor suggested being serious about correction, explaining to the child why the misbehavior is wrong. He suggested time-out when necessary. Most of all, make it clear what is acceptable and unacceptable. Advice accepted, the parents noted a difference in their child. They no longer screamed at him. They explained what was unacceptable and why. They found that time-out was occasionally necessary. Most of all, they corrected him in love.
Love corrects. Parents who love their children care enough to correct them. It takes time. It really isn't fun, but it is necessary to helping a child prepare for the future. They must be taught. Correction teaches a child unacceptable behavior and explains why.
Love disciplines. All of us have known adults who lived undisciplined lives. There is a price to be paid for living without self-discipline. Understanding the success of a disciplined life begins in childhood. Trying to teach self-discipline is much more difficult in the teen years. Get an early start. It's always better for the parents and children.
Love establishes boundaries. A child needs to know the boundaries in life. We all need boundaries. They are for our safety and well-being. It takes time to teach children boundaries, but they are worth every minute. There should be a price paid for breaking boundaries. Time-out is proven to be effective. Time-out in a room without television and toys can get a child's attention. It gives them time to think about what you are teaching them.
Love cares. Caring parents teach their children family values and proper behavior. Parents who don't, will regret it. Love invests time in children. Permissive parents are really saying to their children, "We really don't care." Love cares enough to correct.
