The Benefits of Structure and Discipline

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it"  Proverbs 22:6

Structure at home as well as at school is so important to making a child feel safe. If a child’s day is structured and they are in a routine, then they will know what to expect. More and more these days parents are allowing their child to be carefree to make their own choices. While this is wonderful when we allow the children to express themselves, but they need guidance from an adult so that their choices are good ones. The same goes for school.
Our staff here at Triad Baptist Christian Preschool uses guidance, both structurally and disciplinary, daily with our children. Our teachers have made the commitment to teaching children how to solve their problems rather than punishing them for not having learned how to solve these problems yet and working through issues as a team. Discipline is a vital part in a child’s life. Without discipline a child will do whatever they want and whenever they want to do it. Children need the safety and structure of boundaries as they grow in order to learn academically but also to be educated on how society and our culture works as they grow into adults. We as parents and educators often are afraid to discipline because we fear being overbearing or inhibiting creative growth. Children must learn to color within the lines, correct? Life is no different, within the boundaries that God's Word has clearly laid out for our lives there is freedom and liberty to live to our fullest and greatest God-given potential, but we must learn there are consequences to coloring "outside the lines."
We also hesitate to discipline because we are afraid that our children will think we don't love them, but it is just the opposite. Proverbs 13:24 states, "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." Children feel your love and know you care when you are consistent and follow through with the boundaries that you set forth for them. Too many parents yell at their children or ask their children over and over again to do this or go there, and the children soon learn to ignore them because their warnings are hollow. Why should they obey when there are no serious consequences for disrespectful behavior? Other parents choose discipline like spanking (not abusively, but Biblically) or time out when their children ignore them, pitch a temper tantrum, purposefully hurting other children, acting in an unsafe manner (playing in the street or sticking their fingers in the sockets), etc. You will see, in the years to come that it is wonderful when you, as a parent or educator receive consistent praise from teachers, family and friends for your children’s positive and respectful behaviors. Parenting works, especially if both you and your spouse use the techniques consistently. There are tons of great Christian resources to use for Parenting and discipline. Also, don't forget to use the greatest resource, God's Word!

-Laura Harris, Preschool Director

Here are some sites you can check out:

Focus on the Family

Parent Ministry

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