We are nearing the end of the school year. It is a time of joy and anticipation as students graduate, and summer is just around the corner. At the same time, it is almost the end of the school year! There are tests, projects, year-end activities, . . . when did it get so busy? And then to think: Will Joey ever remember to bring home his lunchbox? Will Hailey remember to turn in her homework without a reminder? How many jackets has Jesse lost this year? Can my kids get through one afternoon without fighting? How will my kid ever survive college? Will he ever make it to class?
One part of growing up is instilling discipline and self-control. When we think about disciplining our children, we need to think about the word disciple. To disciple means to teach, to train, to bring up. It involves modeling and mentoring.
If your child struggles with self-control, here are a few tips that may help:
- Model self-control in your words and deeds when you are frustrated with a situation.
- Set limits and provide structure. Children with self-regulation problems are internally “unstructured” and need predictability.
- Anticipate transitions and announce changes before they happen.
- When your child regulates themselves, reward them with freedom & privileges.
- Separate siblings when they show lack of impulse control. If your child is not “in control,” the problems just escalate.
- Remember that an aggressive child can create an atmosphere of chaos and fear that affect the whole family. Set an atmosphere so your other children feel safe.
- Be patient as you make appropriate changes.
- Get professional help.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 says:
. . . And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- Teaching – What I should or shouldn’t do
- Rebuke – What I did or didn’t do
- Correction – Making it right
- Training – Long term correction of behavior and habits
Make it your goal to shape behavior and attitudes, but not crush the spirit. Be consistent, and be on the lookout for displays of self-control when it occurs.