When my father, Ernest, was about five, some older cousins came to visit. They were unruly, wildly undisciplined. One day the boys ran out of the house, little Ernest bringing up the rear. Just as he leapt from the porch, an older cousin pushed a wheelbarrow in front of him, knowing he would be unableContinue reading “The Oak Tree in the House. 1 Kings 1:6.”
Category Archives: Punishment
David’s Second Great Sin. 1 Chronicles 21:13.
Everyone remembers the story of young King David’s tragic failure with Bathsheba: giant killer grows fat and arrogant and stumbles headlong into adultery and murder. But do you know David’s second great failure, his “second-worst sin” the one committed by old King David? The census. Old King David told Joab to use his troops toContinue reading “David’s Second Great Sin. 1 Chronicles 21:13.”
When Will You Repent? Revelation 8 and 9.
A woman once told me she had never been spanked, that she was so sensitive, a strong word from a parent was enough to change her behavior. I could not relate to that. As a child I heard strong words every day. I ignored them. I was a strong-willed child. Nothing would deter me fromContinue reading “When Will You Repent? Revelation 8 and 9.”
Excessive Force.
We hear the phrase “excessive force” spoken by those who criticize police officers. But the phrase could also be applied to parents, teachers, and coaches. Sometimes we do the same thing: we over-punish. What is the danger when we over-punish? How does excessive force affect the child? What impact does excessive force have on theContinue reading “Excessive Force.”
How to Punish.
Having been a child, student, parent, and teacher, I have thought a lot about punishments. Here’s one of the best rules I learned from a college psychology professor: “Punishment should be swift, severe, and soon over.” Children must be punished quickly if they are going to “learn their lesson.” And only a severe punishment works:Continue reading “How to Punish.”
Household Words: 