Child Rearing Tip

I was reminded of something today. 

If a child is old enough to defy a parent in a certain way, they are able to understand enough why you are correcting them. Waiting until they have the understanding you have is a recipe for a very sinful, rebellious child. Don't be deceived by resources that tell you kids need to understand before you discipline them. The rod of correction drives sin far from a child. When sin is committed, it is the parent's job to correct it as God instructs. As with the Israelites in the time of the Judges, partial obedience will bring God's hand of correction and consequences that are serious. The Lord has called parents to train up their children in the way they should go. Doesn't mean they will go that way, but we have to do the hard work of driving sin far from them while they are still young and under our control. First time obedience with a good attitude is critical. No talking back, no defiantly questioning before obeying, and it should be very rare that there's questioning at all before obeying, unless you somehow were not clear in your instructions. Kids can bring a biblical appeal if they think you've forgotten something, but if they question you and your authority in their lives, it is rebellion against God and needs to be treated seriously, right away. It isn't a matter of offending you, making you angry, or inconveniencing you as their parent. Are they obeying the authority God has put over them? If they aren't responding as they should to the Lord, then you need to step in and make sure they do not do it that same way again. 

Remember with firstborns, the younger are watching and the stakes are high. Satan wants your firstborn because he knows the others are more likely to follow and it will cause marital strife. It is like bowling pins. Knock down the one in front, chances of it hitting the rest are great.