1. The Development Of Self-Discipline In Children
The Young Child is continually withheld from many of his desires by physical restrictions. We use
baby gates, fences, locks on doorways and cabinets (restricted places ), cribs, playpens, leashes,
and brief commands ("NO!" "indeed !"). We carefully watch the young child; monitoring what he sees,
where he will go, and with whom he associates. These barriers are mainly for the purpose of
protecting the child through himself - from his own desire to seek his own will prior to an age when he
has knowledge, self-discipline, a fear of the Lord, or help from the actual Holy Spirit to avoid that
which is harmful to him or her.
The School-Age Child is still in bondage under the aspects of the world. Gal. 4:3 Foolishness is
bound down the middle of a child. Prov. Twenty two :15a Having foolishness in his heart, he is likely
to behave the part of a fool - a fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover
itself. Prov. 18:2 he or she constantly desires to venture into the "department store" of the flesh.
NOthing is more dangerous than permitting a child to "discover himself " at this age. The heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who are able to know it? Jer. Seventeen :9 Being
at the beginning of his "formal training" in self-discipline, he is relatively helpless at controlling his own
desires; and also the fleshly nature is regarded as a fascinating friend rather than observed to contain
no good thing. Rom. 7:eighteen As a parent, you must safeguard him from his own worst enemy - his
flesh, and two other predatory opponents -- the world and the devil. Childhood is the time to train your
son or daughter in preparation for a life of self-denial (Mt. 16:24). As a parent, you must become an
external boundary that restricts the fleshly nature of the kid until the time that he has established inner
boundaries and has internal help from the Lord. The outside barriers must remain well beyond the
crib-stage; the obstacles now becoming more directed at the speech and actions (which arise from
the thoughts). Growing up gets older, curiosity about the outer world and his body's desires
increases, and the pull from the inner fleshly nature gets to be more demanding.
There is each and every indication in the Bible that God expects total psychological (2 Cor. 10:five )
and physical (1 Cor. 9:27a) self-discipline; the kind of discipline that leads one to present his body as
a residing sacrifice (Rom. 12:1 ) and to take a determined are a symbol of Jesus Christ (as did
Daniel, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Moses, Paul, Christian martyrs (Heb. 11:32-38), etc.).
The traditional school setting offers some advantages, although in several Christian schools the
drawbacks (peer influence, poor discipline, poor spiritual environment, etc.) outweigh the advantages.
The advantages are those that greatly help to construct mental and physical self-discipline, and
should be seriously considered by home school parents. Self-discipline in a school is learned through:
1. The necessity of planning ahead to provide books, homework, long-term projects, etc. To school
complete and on time.
2. The hold off of the physical gratification/needs of walking about, bathroom split, water, etc.
3. The actual delay of the physical satisfaction of eating (only from lunch).
4. The refusal of the desire to speak in order to concentrate on work.
5. The actual denial of the desire to talk so as to help others work.

2. 6. The delay from the desire to speak to cooperate during group work.
7. Projects totally dictated by the instructor.
8. The denial of comfort to one's body (sitting up on hard chairs).
9. A clean work environment (vs. Clutter, toys available, etc.).
10. A day scheduled into definite, fixed time slot machines with limited time in between classes.
The Teenage Years Rules - the to the outside barriers to speech and behavior, should, by the
teenage years, have become a schoolmaster to bring [your child] unto Christ (Gal. 3:24 ); not only in
the sense associated with Salvation secured, but coming to Jesus Christ for assist with self-discipline.
Correction from their parents has, by this time, taught him that he is a sinner in need of Jesus Christ
in order to save him from eternal death in Hell. Prov. 23 :13,14 Later in the teenage years, he has
recognized that outward control (still some barriers and discipline, but much more guidance)
combined with his own emerging self-discipline nevertheless fails to keep his flesh under control. He
must eventually recognize that by himself he can't "hang on" and do correct - especially in regard in
order to emotions and sexual desires. He is coming to the understanding of for I know that in me (that
is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for in order to will is present with me; but how to perform that
which is good i find not. Romans 7 :18
Trust in his parents to assist "keep" him controlled in speech, thoughts, and actions must now be
directed toward one that is able to help from within his heart. If, having achieved this during the
teenage years, he can now say i can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
For thou hast been a shelter personally, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalms 61:3 The LORD
is my strength and my shield ; my heart trusted within him, and I am assisted : therefore my heart
significantly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:7 As he as soon as trusted in his
parents, an adolescent should now place his trust in the Lord. Fear thou not; for I am along with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy god : I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yes,I will uphold thee
using the right hand of my personal righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Training in Self-Discipline
Your child "trusts in [his parents] with all of [his] heart; and [must not] lean not on to [his] own
understanding." Prov. 3:5 As a mother or father, you are his guide, their protector (from the world,
their flesh, and the devil), and his external barrier to that which he desires to do that might develop
poor habits and, consequently, poor character. Unlearned and not foreseeing the future, a young
child generally lives for today as a slave to their flesh. Parents must continuously be alert for
possibilities to direct the mind toward a structured, Biblically-based, inner control of thoughts, speech,
and actions.
Outward Discipline to Establish Inner Thoughts
1. Protect your child from a knowledge of sin. I would have you wise unto that which is nice, and
simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19
2. Protect your child from excessive thoughts about or even interest in the things of this world. And
truly, if they had been mindful of that country through whence they came out, they may have had
opportunity to have returned. Hebrews 11:15 Keep thy heart with all persistance ; for out of it are the

3. issues of life. Prov. 4 :23 "Keeping" a child's heart is the parents' obligation !
3. Reconstruct verbalized ideas when they reflect desires of the flesh. For because he thinketh in
his heart, same with he. Prov. Twenty three :7
4. Indoctrinate in the Scriptural basis and practical application associated with self-discipline. Deut.
6:six,7 Is. 30:20,21
5. Point out good examples leading to success as well as failure - from the holy bible and from life.
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, on
whom the ends around the globe are come. 1 Cor. 10:11 1 nobleman 1:5,6 judges 14:3
Mental Self-Discipline
1. Expect mental effort - considering, reasoning; and memorization associated with verses, facts
from topics, poems, songs, etc. Your son or daughter's education should always have a measure of
difficulty. Fun in training has its place, but persistent work should be the main exercise. Thou
therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 Good education, by
necessity, will involve turmoil with the fleshly nature of the child.
2. Train your son or daughter to be subservient to another's will, while at the same time training
him to be cautious about selecting people to follow (strangers, and so on.). Obey them that have the
rule over you, as well as submit yourselves. Heb. 13:17a Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, looking for whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
3. Train your child to have a pleasant mindset in all things. Work as diligently on attitude as you
perform on the training of physical discipline. Then this Daniel was preferred above the actual
presidents and princes, simply because an excellent spirit was in him. Dan 6:3a And Jesus increased
in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (He was 12 at the time.) Luke 2:52
Physical Self-Discipline
1. Erect firm, consistent obstacles to unwanted actions. Demand desired actions when informed
the first time! It is poor instruction to allow your child the "enjoyable sin" of delayed obedience (calling
several times, counting to 10, etc.). Ep. 6:2
2. Impose discipline for repeated infractions and encouragement for achievement (without inflating
self-esteem). Ec. 8:11
3. Indoctrinate within the Biblical basis for bodily self-discipline and teach the actual practical
application of physical self-discipline. 1 Cor.9:27
The Urgent Task
The time is short, and the times are evil! Ep. 5 :16 You have a brief opportunity (which is sharply
reduced at the arrival of the teenage many years ) to instill the psychological "operating system" that
will guide your son or daughter for a lifetime. There is no time to "appreciate " the antics of a child
with little self-discipline. If you laugh and think that junior's undisciplined habits are "cute," you and he
will pay a expensive price - a kid left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Prov. 29:15 a young
child is not an adult, nor can he be expected to have the self-discipline of an adult, but childhood is
the time to train the future grownup. View all training as preparation for future support for the Lord.
Train a young child to become a useful servant from the Lord- strong in faith and in character! This is

4. the parents' responsibility, and is not to be delegated to the church or a religious school. Homeschool
parents have a great advantage in character creating, but many, due to weariness or perceived
inability, are neglecting character building while focusing on child-centered academics.
It will be difficult to place a barrier around your child's fleshly character. Each child will be different;
some will put up more of a "fight " in defense of fleshly desires. Those who do tend to be, perhaps,
being prepared for a more difficult life of service for the Lord. Do not fail these types of children in
their preparation by utilizing excuses (hyperactivity, physical handicap, middle child, etc.).
A constant example must be arranged by the "trainers." While you might need to let down your guard
as well as indulge in poor character, remember that you must be able to say be ye followers of me,
even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. Eleven :1
Training children in self-discipline takes much repetition training and consistency in modification and
discipline. Train upward a child in the way he should go : and when he is old, he'll not depart from it.
Prov. 22:6 the actual rewards of careful attendance to character building are wonderful ! The "yield" is
the peaceable fruit of righteousness! Heb. 12:11 you'll be able to produce a delightful teenager!
General Goals
1. To build an inner restraint against the desires of the flesh - by providing consistent outer
restraints as well as expecting habitual conformity. But I keep under my body system, and bring it into
subjection. 1 Cor. 9:27a
2. To instill a fear of the Lord (which greatly stands for inner restraint); and to teach to obey as
viewing him who is invisible. Heb. 11:27b Come, ye children, hearken unto me personally : I will teach
you the fear from the LORD. Ps. 34:11 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools
despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7
3. To encourage a total believe in in the Lord for power and direction (recognizing which help with
restraint is necessary). Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not really unto thine own
understanding. Prov. 3:5 o LORD, I know that the way of man is not in themself : it is not in man that
walketh to direct his steps. Jer. 10:23
Specific Goals
Self-Discipline is needed:
1. To be accountable for the use of time. One Peter 4:2
2. To understand to wait to speak. James one :19
3. To speak when shyness or fear inhibits. One Thes. 2:4
4. To learn to weigh thoughts very carefully before speaking. Ps. 34 :13 Prov. 13:three ; 21:23
5. To be able to carry out unpleasant tasks without stress. 2 Tim. 2:3
6. To be able to use the mind in order to memorize required material. Prov. 10:14 Ps. 119:11
7. To be able to endure hard trials. James 1:2,3
8. To learn to perform unpleasant habits.
9. To have physical self-restraint. 1 Cor. 9 :27
10. To keep thyself real. 1 Tim. 2:22 Phil 4:8
11. To maintain rule over his own nature (emotions). Prov. 25:28

5. 12. To complete a project from inception to completion. Ec. 10:18
13. To refuse the lust of the flesh (unavailable/wrong material or bodily desires). Luke 9:23
14. To delay legitimate self-gratification; to become content with withheld desires. Phil. 4:11,12
15 to work with no expectation of instant reward. Gal. 6:9
16. To joyfully submit to an additional rather than to seek one's personal will. Ps. 40:8
17. To eat what is set before him with contentment. Phil. 4:11
18. To rely upon the LORD with all thine coronary heart ; and lean not on to thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:5
19. To refuse feelings and choose to do what is right. 1 Kings 18 :21
20. To give up a freedom so as not to offend another person. 1 Cor.8:13
21. To develop mental discipline (Disciplined mind Disciplined body). Two Cor. 10:5
22. To continue in work despite individual physical rebellion. Lam. Three :27
23. To be a servant instead of a master. Mt. 23:11
24. To be accountable for one's personal name and family name (testimony). Prov. 22:1
26. To receive correction and self-discipline with a good attitude. Prov. Three :11; 15:10
27. In order to cooperate with the needs of others - to acknowledge his needs for the benefit of a
group. Ps. 133:1
28. To maintain a Godly worth system that directs every day decisions. Gen. 24:thirty-three Col. 3:2
29. In order to submit to an unpleasant master. 1 Peter 2:18
30. To build up a mental alertness. 1 Peter 5:8
31. In order to refuse negative peer pressure. Former mate. 23:2
Daily Plan
Consistent Example Be ye followers associated with me, even as I also 'm of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
Consistent Teaching The proverbs of Solomon the actual son of David, king of Israel; To know
knowledge and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to get the instruction of
knowledge, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man
understanding and discretion. Prov. One :1-4
Consistent Training and Maintenance Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,
he will not depart from it. Prov. 22 :6 Because sentence against an evil work is not really executed
speedily, therefore the coronary heart of the sons of men is actually fully set in them to perform evil.
Ec. 8:eleven Withhold not correction in the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Prov. 23:13 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things,
though ye know them, and be established in our truth. Yea, I think it fulfill, as long as I am in this
tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you within remembrance. 2 Peter one :12,13
Implementing Goals
For each goal that you desire to be fulfilled in your child, make a specific, long-range plan to see your
objective accomplished. Follow the design of:
EXAMPLE --TEACHING--TRAINING.
SAMPLE: Goal #1: self discipline is needed to be accountable for using time.

6. Example: Be alert to time in your own life. Display a concern for your own use of period. Be on time
to church, appointments, class, etc. Don't waste time! Ep. 5:16
Teaching: Expect household jobs to be done without stopping to experience or to talk to others.
Expect schoolwork to be done with out wasting time (playing with pencils, walking around, talking,
daydreaming, and so on.) As your children get older (old enough to easily tell the time and own a
watch), expect them to be ready for church on time (without having to be told), get up on time (by
using an alarm clock), plan ahead to be prepared for a specific bedtime, set the actual table prior to
an appointed time, be in from outside perform at a certain time, and so on. Teach your child the value
of time - how to use it wisely, how to plan ahead, and how to work to meet deadlines and schedules
(long and short-range). Get him to memorize verses having to do with time, laziness, slothfulness,
sluggishness, disloyality, etc. (Prov. 24:38-30-34; 18:9; 26:14 )
Training: Discipline in some way when a responsibility to a particular time is avoided, ignored, or
forgotten. Let your child know that excuses such as "we forgot" will not be accepted! discipline for
wasted time when he is expected to be working (take time off from free/recess time, etc.)
Maintaining Boundaries
1. Physical discipline, when necessary. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth
him chasteneth him betimes. Prov. Thirteen :24 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the
fishing rod of correction shall generate it far from him. Prov. 22:15
2. Withdrawing a normal privilege-a withdrawn blessing due to a failure in the responsibility to do
that which was taught. Whenever self-discipline fails, the old nature will be reinforced/encouraged-
because the pleasures of sin were permitted without any unpleasant consequences. In the event that
unpleasant consequences are not organized by parents now, the unpleasant consequences will come
when the child becomes an adult. (Ec. 8:11)
3. Natural consequences - those unfortunate things that happen as a result of disobedience
(perhaps disobedience that is not immediately discovered by a parent). RElated to God, we would
also refer to this as "learning the hard way-by experience." Being assured of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6 for this is
God which worketh in you both to may and to do of their good pleasure. Phil. 2 :13
Jeremiah 29