1. The Development Of Self-Discipline In Children
The Young Child is continually withheld from many of their desires by physical limitations. We use
baby entrance, fences, locks on doorways and cabinets (restricted places ), cribs, playpens, leashes,
as well as brief commands ("NO!" "yes !"). 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 from himself - from their own desire to seek his own will prior to an age whenever
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 continues to be in bondage under the elements of the world. Gal. 4:3
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Prov. Twenty two :15a Having foolishness in his heart, he
is likely to act 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. There is nothing more dangerous than permitting a child to "discover himself " at this age. The
coronary heart is deceitful above all points, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jer. 17 :9
Being at the beginning of their "formal training" in self-discipline, he is relatively helpless from
controlling his own desires; and also the fleshly nature is regarded as a fascinating friend rather than
seen to contain no great thing. Rom. 7:18 As a parent, you must protect him from his own most
detrimental enemy - his flesh, and two other predatory opponents -- the world and the devil.
Childhood is the time to train your child in preparation for a life of self-denial (Mt. 16:24). As parents,
you must become an outer boundary that restricts the fleshly nature of the child until the time that he
has built inner boundaries and has internal help from the Lord. The outside obstacles must remain
well past the crib-stage; the barriers now becoming more directed at the actual speech and actions
(that arise from the thoughts). As a child gets older, curiosity about the outer world and his body's
wishes increases, and the pull from the inner fleshly nature becomes more demanding.
There is each and every indication in the Bible that God expects total mental (2 Cor. 10:5 ) and
physical (1 Cor. 9:27a) self-discipline; the kind of discipline that leads one to existing his body as a
living sacrifice (Rom. 12:one ) and to take a determined are a symbol of Jesus Christ (as do Daniel,
Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Moses, Paul, Christian martyrs (Heb. 11:32-38), etc.).
The traditional school setting has some advantages, although in several Christian schools the
disadvantages (peer influence, poor self-discipline, poor spiritual environment, and so on.) outweigh
the advantages. The advantages are those that greatly help to construct mental and physical self-
discipline, and should end up being seriously considered by homeschool parents. Self-discipline in a
school is learned through:
1. The necessity of planning ahead to deliver books, homework, long-term assignments, etc. To
school complete as well as on time.
2. The delay of the physical gratification/needs associated with walking about, bathroom break, water,
etc.
3. The actual delay of the physical satisfaction of eating (only from lunch).

2. 4. The denial of the desire to speak in order to concentrate on work.
5. The denial of the desire to talk so as to help others work.
6. The delay from the desire to speak to cooperate throughout 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, and so on.).
10. A day scheduled into definite, fixed time slots with limited time between classes.
The Teenage Years Rules - the outward barriers to speech and behavior, should, by the adolescent
years, have become a schoolmaster to bring [your child] on to Christ (Gal. 3:twenty-four ); not only in
the sense of Salvation secured, but visiting Jesus Christ for help with self-discipline. Correction from
his parents has, by this time, trained him that he is a sinner in need of Jesus Christ in order to save
him from eternal death in Hell. Prov. Twenty three :13,14 Later within 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 still fails to keep his skin under control. He must
eventually recognize that by himself he can't "hang on" and do correct - especially in regard to
emotions and sexual wishes. 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 seven :18
Trust in his parents to help "keep" him controlled within speech, thoughts, and measures must now
be directed toward one that is able to help from within their heart. If, having accomplished 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 for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalms 61:3 The
LORD is my personal strength and my protect ; my heart trusted within him, and I am assisted :
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my tune will I praise him. Psalms 28:7 As he once
trusted in his parents, an adolescent should now place their trust in the Lord. Fear thou not; for I am
with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy lord : I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea,I will
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Training in Self-Discipline
Your child "trusts in [his parents] with all [his] heart; and [must not] lean not on to [his] own
understanding." Prov. 3:5 As a parent, you are his guide, his protector (from the world, their flesh, and
the devil), and his external barrier to that that he desires to do that might develop poor habits as well
as, consequently, poor character. Unlearned and not foreseeing the future, a young child generally
lives for these days as a slave to his flesh. Parents must continuously be alert for opportunities to
direct the mind toward an organized, Biblically-based, inner control of ideas, 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 good, and
simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19
2. Protect your child from excessive thoughts about or interest in the things of this world. And truly,
if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity

3. to have returned. Hebrews 11:15 Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of it are the issues of life.
Prov. 4 :23 "Keeping" a child's heart is the parents' obligation !
3. Reconstruct verbalized ideas when they reflect wishes of the flesh. For because he thinketh in
his heart, so is he. Prov. Twenty three :7
4. Indoctrinate in the Scriptural basis and practical application of self-discipline. Deut. 6:six,7 Is.
30:twenty,21
5. Point out good examples leading to success and failure - from the holy bible and from life. Now
all these things happened on to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, on
whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. 10:11 1 nobleman 1:5,6 idol judges 14:3
Mental Self-Discipline
1. Expect mental effort - thinking, reasoning; and memorization associated with verses, facts from
topics, poems, songs, etc. Your child's education should always have a way of measuring difficulty.
Fun in education has its place, but persistent work should be the main activity. Thou therefore endure
solidity, as a good soldier associated with Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 Good education, by necessity,
will involve turmoil with the fleshly nature of your child.
2. Train your son or daughter to be subservient to another's will, while at the same time
instruction him to be cautious about selecting people to follow (strangers, etc.). Obey them that have
the rule over you, and submit yourselves. Heb. 13:17a Be sober, be vigilant; because your foe the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. One Peter 5:8
3. Train your child to have a pleasant attitude in all things. Work as faithfully on attitude as you
perform on the training of bodily 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 knowledge and stature, and in favour with God and man. (He was 12 at that time.) Luke 2:52
Physical Self-Discipline
1. Erect firm, consistent barriers to unwanted actions. NEed desired actions when informed the first
time! It is poor training to allow your child the "enjoyable sin" of delayed behavior training (calling
several times, counting to ten, etc.). Ep. 6:2
2. Impose discipline for repetitive infractions and encouragement for success (without inflating self-
esteem). Ec. 8:11
3. Indoctrinate within the Biblical basis for physical self-discipline and teach the actual practical
application of physical self-discipline. 1 Cor.9:27
The Urgent Task
The time is actually short, and the times are evil! Ep. 5 :16 You have a brief opportunity (which is
sharply reduced in the arrival of the teenage years ) to instill the mental "operating system" that will
guide your child for a lifetime. There is no time to "enjoy " the antics of a kid with little self-discipline.
Should you laugh and think that junior's undisciplined habits are "cute," you and he will pay a
expensive price - a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Prov. 29:15 a young child is not
an adult, nor may he be expected to have the self-discipline of an adult, but years as a child is the
time to train the future adult. View all training because preparation for future support for the Lord.

4. Train a young child to become a useful servant from the Lord- strong in belief and in character! This is
the parents' responsibility, and is not to be delegated to the church or a religious school. Homeschool
parents possess a great advantage in character creating, but many, due to weariness or perceived
inability, are ignoring character building while concentrating on child-centered academics.
It is going to be difficult to place a hurdle around your child's fleshly character. Each child will be
different; many will put up more of a "battle " in defense of fleshly desires. Those who do are,
perhaps, being prepared for a more difficult life of service for that Lord. Do not fail these 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 desire to let down your
guard and indulge in poor character, always remember that you must be able to say be ye followers
of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11 :1
Training children in self-discipline takes much repetition of teaching and consistency in modification
and discipline. Train upward a child in the way he should go : and when he is old, he will not depart
from it. Prov. 22:6 the actual rewards of careful work to character building are great ! 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 a good 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, and bring it into
subjection. 1 Cor. 9:27a
2. To instill a fear of the Lord (which greatly reinforces 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 of the LORD. Ps. 34:eleven The fear of the LORD may be the beginning of knowledge:
but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7
3. To encourage a total believe in in the Lord for strength 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
which walketh to direct his steps. Jer. 10:23
Specific Goals
Self-Discipline is needed:
1. To become accountable for the use of time. 1 Peter 4:2
2. To learn to wait to speak. James 1 :19
3. To speak when shyness or fear inhibits. 1 Thes. 2:4
4. To learn to weigh thoughts carefully before speaking. Ps. Thirty four :13 Prov. 13:three ; 21:23
5. To be able to perform unpleasant tasks without stress. 2 Tim. 2:3
6. To be able to use the mind to memorize required material. Prov. 10:14 Ps. 119:11
7. To be able to endure difficult 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 pure. 1 Tim. 2:twenty two Phil 4:8

5. 11. To keep rule over his own spirit (emotions). Prov. 25:28
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 be content with withheld desires. Phil. 4:11,12
15 to work with no expectation of immediate 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 unto thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:5
19. To deny feelings and choose to do what's right. 1 Kings eighteen :21
20. To give up a liberty so as not to offend another person. One Cor.8:13
21. To develop mental discipline (Disciplined thoughts Disciplined body). 2 Cor. 10:5
22. To keep in work despite personal physical rebellion. Lam. 3 :27
23. To be a servant rather than a master. Mt. 23:11
24. To be accountable for one's personal name and family title (testimony). Prov. 22:1
26. To receive correction and discipline with a good attitude. Prov. 3 :11; 15:10
27. To cooperate with the needs associated with others - to acknowledge his needs for the advantage
of a group. Ps. 133:1
28. To maintain a Godly value system that directs every day decisions. Gen. 24:thirty-three Col. 3:2
29. To submit to an unpleasant master. One Peter 2:18
30. To build up a mental alertness. One Peter 5:8
31. To be able to refuse negative peer pressure. Former mate. 23:2
Daily Plan
Consistent Example Be ye followers of me, even as I also 'm of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
Consistent Teaching The proverbs of Solomon the 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 towards 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 go away from it. Prov. 22 :6 Because sentence towards an evil work is not executed
speedily, therefore the coronary heart of the sons of men is actually fully set in them to do evil. Ec.
8:11 Withhold not correction in the child: for if thou beatest him with the fishing 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 the present truth. Yea, I think it fulfill, as long as I am in
this tabernacle, to stir you upward by putting you in remembrance. 2 Peter one :12,13
Implementing Goals
For each goal that you desire to be satisfied in your child, make a specific, long-range plan to see
your goal accomplished. Follow the design of:
EXAMPLE --TEACHING--TRAINING.

6. SAMPLE: Goal #1: self discipline is needed to be accountable for using time.
Example: Be conscious of time in your own life. Display a concern for your own use of time. Be on
time to church, appointments, class, etc. Don't waste time! Ep. 5:16
Teaching: Expect household jobs to become done without stopping to experience or to talk to others.
Anticipate schoolwork to be done without wasting time (playing with pencils, walking around, talking,
daydreaming, etc.) As your children get older (old enough to easily tell the time as well as own a
watch), expect these phones be ready for church on time (without having to be told), get up on time
(by using an alarm clock), plan ahead to be ready for a specific bedtime, set the table prior to an hired
time, be in from outside play at a certain time, etc. 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 "i forgot" will not be accepted! discipline for
wasted time when he is expected to be working (set time aside from free/recess time, etc.)
Maintaining Boundaries
1. Physical discipline, when necessary. He which spareth his rod hateth his son: but he or she that
loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Prov. 13 :24 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the
fishing rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Prov. 22:15
2. Withdrawing a normal privilege-a withdrawn benefit due to a failure in the obligation to do that
which was taught. Whenever self-discipline fails, the old character will be reinforced/encouraged-
because the joys of sin were allowed without any unpleasant consequences. If unpleasant
consequences are not arranged by parents now, the actual 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). Attributed to God, we would
also refer to this as "learning hard way-by experience." Being assured of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good are employed in you will perform it before day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6 for it is
God which worketh in you both to may and to do of their good pleasure. Phil. 2 :13
Jeremiah 29