Spare the Rod...

The bible tells us, "Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)
I don't want to hate my baby Cade, but others think that he is to young to be disciplined (8 1/2 months) but I read the other day.."If he is old enough to throw a fit he is old enough to take a swat."(To Train Up a Child - Mike and Debbi Pearl)
SO...I have been giving him a swat every time he has thrown a fit, or even started...not hard only enough to teach him that he needs to obey mommy or else there will be counter productive consequences. Brant and I have both been talking him through why he has been getting swats (even though he is only 8.5 months). He will often stop crying a lot sooner when the second fit happens. What I have noticed is that we have a strong willed young boy. He wants things to happen when he wants them and there is no stopping his mentality. (He will literally scream at me for 45 minutes if I let him...but we are trying to practice self control). I have also noticed that he responds to my tones and attitude. It is so much harder to calm a fussy baby while you are frustrated...but talking to him and loving him with "careful" discipline helps me to stay calm and in control the entire time. He is learning to listen to me without me yelling at him and he is also learning that mommy is in control. We are also already talking to him about practicing self control...he can cry out his frustrations but we are not going to make it a LONG drawn out drama. It is not ok to struggle with self control....and I know of 3 year olds who have been practicing self control and now when mommy says ok...practice self control they dry up their tears give her a hug and go play. (of course she gives them a few minutes to express they are mad or sad or in pain, etc.)
As a Bible Major at Abilene Christian I read a lot of the Bible...I spent a lot of time in it because of my classes, homework and personal studies, but until now (that I have Baby Cade) I haven't realized how much of the Word is actually instruction for parents. (A handbook in descise if I may) A wise woman I know has always said, "the only person you can change is yourself." (Debbie Greathouse) And that is exactly what the Word of God calls you to do...work on yourself so that you can bless others. If you practice patience you can be gentle with your children, if you love them you will be careful to discipline, if you listen to your children as God listens to us you will be blessed, show your children the fruits of the spirit (teach them) and they will grow in the spirit and have abundant fruit to share with others!!! This is what we are working on....this is what we desire for our family...Be a Blessing!!