Children are a blessing!

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us... There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:16-21

I have really been enjoying reading this book I got from the library. Positive Discipline in the Christian Home. I have always practiced positive discipline, for the most part, as we have never spanked our children and I try to not yell or raise my voice much but this book gives me more scripture and reasons why to keep it up. It takes a lot of patience and encouragement to get into the practice of remaining calm and to use "misbehaving" as a time to teach your child with discipline rather than creating a punishment for it. The book really talks about what punishment usually creates - The Four R's - Resentment (trust issues), Rebellion (oppositional defiance), Revenge, Retreat (sneakiness or low self esteem) and mostly that it doesn't help them become good decision makers. The goal of discipline is "to teach" and to teach in such a way that your child respects both himself and you.
Here are some quotes from the book that really spoke to me and maybe you'll find some inspiration through it too.

"Responding as the Lord does - with compassion, guidance, hope, and comfort - can help children choose different behavior."
"The disciples of Jesus followed Him not because He threatened them with punishment but because He invited them with love and called them to be better than they were."
"True discipline engages the heart rather than breaking the spirit."
"Parents must also be as willing to forgive their children as God is to forgive them."
"It is probably wisest to pray for patience for yourself, rather than praying for obedience from your child."
"Parents generally TELL their children what they think, feel and should do instead of ASKING them what they think, feel, or should do."
"A loving parent will allow his child to experience the consequences of her choices in an atmosphere of empathy and encouragement."
"Model the courage to accept imperfection as a step along the path to growth, and remember that your own attitude and actions are your children's best teachers."

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" Gal 5:22

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. " Psalms 127:3