Reproduced from http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/05/practical-vision-for-young-moms_10.html These are not my own words.
Consistent Discipline - Number two of the three C's.
1. Train your children while they are young
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Yes, it will require a LOT of time and consistency on your part, but I will promise you that you will not regret it as they grow older. My oldest is almost 10 and I am now reaping the benefits of my (very) hard work in the beginning.
2. Teach your children first time obedience
Teach your children to obey right away, all the way, and with a happy heart. If you start teaching your kids that you expect them to obey the first time you say something, it may take some time, but they can learn to do it.
3. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
It isn't easy to be consistent, but I truly believe that it is the one thing that is missing in so many scenarios where the child is unmanageable. Notice I didn't say every, but I did say many. Many of our headaches and trials as moms could be avoided if we would say what we mean and mean what we say, and then follow through on what we said. This takes discipline on the mother's part, and it's hard, I know. When you are exhausted it is easy to let one little disobedience or negative attitude slide. I understand. But, pray for the strength to get up one more time, to reinforce one more time, to be consistent one more time.
4. Reach their heart, not just their behavior
Don't settle for outward behavior, but as much as you are able, seek to draw out the why's of your child's disobedience. Connect your heart to theirs, seek to understand them, give them grace, and train them in the way they should go. Love them in the midst of training and discipline!
5. Speak God's Word into them
Scripture is useful for all things, so get those Bible verses into your child's head and heart from a young age!
Things like,
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths....
Be kind and gentle towards one another....
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.....
6. Pray with them and pray over them
Prayer is an often untapped weapon that we have as mommies. Show your kids the power of prayer, specifically as it pertains to their lives!
Some of my favorite resources on training children/discipline/reaching their hearts:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman (excellent!)
Wise Words for Moms also by Ginger Plowman (a calendar-like chart with offenses, heart questions to ask and Scripture to help teach and train)
Making a Peace Place: Godly Anger Management for Children an amazing post by Ann Voskamp, one I use and has revolutionized my parenting!
18 Kids and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar - lots of great advice sprinkled throughout this book! If they can do it with strength and grace with 18, now 19 kids, then I certainly can with 5!!
Useful Links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wojtOxz_4
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