Being a Christian myself, I have found myself both wondering and questioning several passages in the bible that talk about punishment in regards to using it on children.
Not that I have any moral dilemma against punishment. I’m just a realist, and want to parent my child with methods that will be the best for them long term. Especially because there is so much research out lately that shows how punishment has very interesting and sometimes damaging effects on young children.
So in my quest for finding answers to these questions for myself, I found this interesting article that I thought put a better frame of reference about how a Christian should think about parenting their children.
It’s a short read, on Helping Children Change Their Hearts, and is worth a quick read if this sort of thing interests you.
Parenting is a tricky subject. I have 3 children all teens and it has not always been easy although leading by example is a quick and easy way to resolve issues. Talking to your children and listening to their concerns and above show your children compassion/understanding
Jane,
It is so tricky, but you seem to have a pretty good handle on it!
-Jaimee
I agree with Jane, it is tricky. I was raised in a Christian household and my father was raised Christian but my mother was not, my father rarely if ever struck us, and if anything it might’ve been just a quick swat on the butt. My mom, however, used to strike fear into the heart’s of my siblings and I when she was upset because we knew a decent smacking was coming. She wasn’t abusive, but I think now that she could have been more effective with disciplining us if she had used other methods.