Cool Conservation
Theme of the Week: Firm but Fair
Kevin Leman
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). Bonus Reading: Psalm 103:6-14
Let's alter yesterday's scenario. Dad finds the messy tool bench, goes in and finds Jason playing Nintendo, and says, "Jason, would you come out to the garage with me a minute?" Once there, they survey the workbench and Dad says, "It looks like you were trying to fix your bike."
"Yeah, I was," says Jason, embarrassed. "Then I went in the house for something and I forgot to finish working on the bike—besides, I couldn't quite make it work anyhow."
"Well, let's see what's wrong with your bike," Dad can say. He can help Jason make the adjustment he wasn't strong enough or experienced enough to make himself. Then he might add, "Now let's remember to put the tools away, okay?"
From this experience Jason can learn that fixing his bike isn't impossible—he just needs a little help and instruction. He can also learn that Dad won't bite his head off if he forgets to put the tools away.
Does this scenario sound too good to be true? It's the kind of thing parents need to do if they want children to learn from mistakes, and not just feel they're more and more of a failure. But Dad has to keep his cool.
—Kevin Leman in Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down
My Response: One way I could make discipline a more positive experience is …
Thought to Apply: Govern a family as you would cook a small fish—very gently.—CHINESE PROVERB
Adapted from Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down (Nelson, 1995) by permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Heavenly Father, help me to reflect Your justice and mercy in the way I discipline my children.
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