Old Paths Baptist Ministries


Practical Instructions
for the Process of
Training and Disciplining Children.

Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

  1. You must establish clear instructions. I believe that they need to be written down. Both parents need to be involved in this process of developing clear guidelines. You might even involve the children if they are old enough to understand. This will help you to be consistent. Establish fair and purposeful rules.
    1. Genesis 2:16
    2. Exodus 20: 1-17
  2. Children need to be reminded of these instructions, especially teenagers and toddlers.
    1. Deuteronomy 5:6-21
    2. Many other Scriptures.
  3. The real goal of discipline is instruction or correction which provides a clear path to growth, maturity and blessings.
  4. It is important to establish a means of restoration.
  5. Proper discipline and correction will reassure a child of the parent's love.

    6. Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

  6. When it becomes necessary for the enforcement of discipline of the child, remember the following guidelines:
    1. Ask, "What did you do?" Genesis 3:13 "And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done…"
    2. Was what you did right or wrong?
    3. What is our punishment for this wrong?
    4. What could you have done differently? What else could you have done to handle the situation better?
    5. What should you do next time? (Help the child to see how he can handle it correctly next time.)
    6. Carry out the discipline or correction.
  7. Be careful that you don't discipline while angry.

DISCIPLINE, v.t.1
  1. To instruct or educate; to inform the mind; to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits; as, to discipline youth for a profession, or for future usefulness.
  2. To instruct and govern; to teach rules and practice, and accustom to order and subordination; as, to discipline troops or an army.
  3. To correct; to chastise; to punish.
  4. To execute the laws of the church on offenders, with a view to bring them to repentance and reformation of life.
  5. To advance and prepare by instruction.
1Webster's 1828 Dictionary - electronic version

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