Why Discipline Is Necessary

When discipline, respect, and self-control are not established at home, it eventually shows everywhere else, school, church, public spaces, and the community. A child left without correction and disciple will eventually bring shame to his parents. The child's behavior can also limit where a family can go and what they can enjoy together. What is not corrected privately in the home will eventually become a public burden.

The Bible confirms this truth in Proverbs 17:21 "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."

When Discipline Is Absent

Things Parents Struggle to Do when Discipline Is Absent

Cannot enjoy public places without stress Instead of enjoying the moment, parents are constantly apologizing, correcting behavior, or leaving early due to embarrassment.

Cannot confidently leave their children with others. People hesitate to babysit or help with children who don’t listen, throw tantrums, are destructive, or behave aggressively. Support decreases because no one wants the stress.

They won’t be able to trust their children around other kids. Poor behavior often includes bullying, fighting, disrespecting adults, and breaking things fighting, making playdates, youth groups, and social activities difficult or impossible.

Bring children into professional environments. Parent–teacher meetings, interviews, business appointments, and formal events suffer when a child’s behavior damages the parent’s professionalism and reputation.

Won’t be able to enjoy a peaceful home life. Undisciplined behavior leads to constant tension, arguments, marital stress, and siblings copying bad habits. The home becomes chaotic instead of peaceful.

Cannot trust their children with responsibility. Bad behavior affects chores, schoolwork, following instructions, respecting rules, handling money, and caring for belongings delaying maturity and independence.

Cannot take their children into environments that require self-control such as Libraries, museums, private schools, youth conferences, mission trips, choir practices, and award ceremonies often become inaccessible. Bad behavior closes doors that should have been open.

Fully engage in spiritual growth opportunities. Disruptive behavior interferes with Bible studies, prayer meetings, church services, retreats, and conferences. A parent cannot focus spiritually while constantly correcting a child.

Cannot live with peace of mind. Parents live with fear of embarrassment, anxiety over school calls, worry about the future, and stress over their child’s choices.

Steps to Training Your Child

Teach Intentionally. As a parent you, must clearly teach values, principles, and the Word of God with purpose. Children are not born knowing right from wrong; those truths must be taught. Intentional teaching means guiding their thinking and behavior daily through instruction, conversation, prayer, and example before problems arise.

Reinforce Consistently. Training works when expectations are consistent. Children learn through repetition, structure, and stability. Inconsistency creates confusion, but steady standards build security and help children understand what is right and expected.

Accountability. Hold them accountable. Training without accountability produces entitlement, not maturity. Children must learn that choices have consequences. Loving, firm correction teaches responsibility, self-control, and respect for authority, helping them understand that their actions matter.

Invest Time. No amount of teaching or discipline can replace time invested. Time builds trust and helps instruction and correction be received well. When parents are present listening, engaging, and praying children are more open to guidance and growth.

Nurture with Patience. Growth takes time. Children do not mature overnight, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Nurturing with patience means correcting without anger, guiding without discouragement, and allowing room for growth. When parents create a loving, stable environment, children feel safe to learn, change, and develop godly character.

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