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 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 or
she sees, where he goes, and with whom he associates. These barriers are primarily for the purpose
of protecting the child from himself - from his 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 aspects of the world. Gal. 4:three
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Prov. 22 :15a Having foolishness in his heart, he is likely
to behave the part of a fool - a fool hath no enjoy understanding, but that their 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 themself " at this age. The coronary
heart is deceitful above all things, 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 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. 7:18 As a parent, you must protect him from his own worst enemy - his skin, and
two other predatory enemies -- the world and the demon. 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 actual 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 beyond the
crib-stage; the obstacles 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 every indication in the Bible that God expects total mental (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 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 offers some advantages, although in many 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 build mental and physical self-
discipline, and should end up being seriously considered by home school parents. Self-discipline in a
college is learned through:
1. The necessity of planning ahead to deliver books, homework, long-term projects, etc. To school
complete and on time.
2. The delay of the physical gratification/needs of walking about, bathroom split, water, etc.
3. The actual delay of the physical gratification of eating (only from lunch).
4. The refusal of the desire to speak in order to concentrate on work.

2. 5. The denial of the desire to speak so as to help others function.
6. The delay of the desire to speak to cooperate throughout group work.
7. Assignments totally dictated by the teacher.
8. The denial associated with 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 slot machines with limited time in 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] unto Christ (Gal. 3:twenty-four ); not only in
the sense of Salvation secured, but visiting Jesus Christ for assist with self-discipline. Correction from
his parents has, by this time, taught him that he is a sinner in need of Jesus Christ to save him from
eternal death in Hell. Prov. Twenty three :13,14 Later in the teenage years, he has realized that
outward control (still some barriers and discipline, but much more guidance) combined with his own
emerging self-discipline still fails to keep his flesh under control. He must eventually recognize that by
himself he cannot "hang on" and do right - especially in regard in order to emotions and sexual
desires. He is coming to the knowledge 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 wait, how to perform that which is good we find not.
Romans 7 :18
Trust in his parents to help "keep" him controlled in speech, thoughts, and measures must now be
directed toward one who 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 personally, and a strong tower in the enemy. Psalms 61:three The
LORD is my personal strength and my shield ; my heart trusted within him, and I am assisted :
therefore my heart significantly rejoiceth; and with my tune will I praise him. Psalms 28:7 As he as
soon as trusted in his parents, an adolescent should now place their 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; yes, I will help
thee; yes,I will uphold thee with the right hand of my personal 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 mother or father, you are his guide, his protector (from the world, their
flesh, and the devil), and his external barrier to that which he desires to do that would 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 constantly 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 an understanding 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 interest in the things of this globe. 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 problems of life
. Prov. Four :23 "Keeping" a child's heart is the parents' responsibility !
3. Reconstruct verbalized ideas when they reflect desires of the flesh. For because he thinketh in
his heart, same with he. Prov. 23 :7
4. Indoctrinate in the Scriptural basis and practical application of self-discipline. Deut. 6:6,7 Is.
30:20,21
5. Point out examples leading to success as well as failure - from the holy bible and from life. Now
all these things happened unto them for ensamples: plus they are written for our admonition, upon
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 education has its place, but diligent 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 child to be subservient to another's will, while at the same time instruction him to be
cautious about selecting people to follow (strangers, and so on.). Obey them that have the actual 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, seeking 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
do 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
knowledge and stature, and in favour with God and man. (He was 12 at the time.) Luke 2:52
Physical Self-Discipline
1. Erect firm, consistent obstacles to unwanted actions. NEed desired actions when informed the
first time! It is poor training to allow your child the "pleasurable sin" of delayed obedience (calling
several times, counting to ten, etc.). Ep. 6:2
2. Impose discipline for repeated 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 days are evil! Ep. Five :16 You have a brief opportunity (which is
sharply reduced in the arrival of the teenage many years ) to instill the mental "operating system" that
will guide your son or daughter for a lifetime. There is no time to "enjoy " the antics of a kid with little
self-discipline. If you laugh and think that junior's undisciplined habits are "cute," you and he will pay a
dear price - a kid 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. Train a

4. child to become a useful servant from the Lord- strong in faith and in character! This is the parents'
responsibility, and is not to be assigned to the church or a christian school. Homeschool parents
possess a great advantage in character building, 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 nature. Each child will be
different; some will put up more of a "fight " 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 set 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
personally, even as I also am associated with Christ. 1 Cor. 11 :1
Training children in self-discipline takes much repetition training and consistency in modification and
discipline. Train upward a child in the way he is going : and when he is old, he'll not depart from it.
Prov. 22:6 the 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 a good inner restraint against the wishes of the flesh - by providing consistent outer
restraints and 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 reinforces inner restraint); and to teach to obey as
seeing 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 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 unto thine own
understanding. Prov. 3:5 to LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself : it is not in man which
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. Thirty four :13 Prov. 13:3 ; 21:23
5. To be able to perform unpleasant tasks without distress. 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 uncomfortable 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 maintain 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 skin (unavailable/wrong material or physical 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 instant reward. Gal. 6:9
16. To joyfully submit to an additional rather than to seek one's own will. Ps. 40:8
17. To eat what is set prior to him with contentment. Phil. 4:11
18. To rely upon the LORD with all thine heart ; and lean not on to thine own understanding. Prov. 3:5
19. To refuse feelings and choose to do what's right. 1 Kings eighteen :21
20. To give up a freedom so as not to offend another person. 1 Cor.8:13
21. To build up mental discipline (Disciplined thoughts Disciplined body). 2 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 title (testimony). Prov. 22:1
26. To receive correction and discipline with a good attitude. Prov. 3 :11; 15:10
27. In order to cooperate with the needs associated with others - to concede his needs for the
advantage of a group. Ps. 133:1
28. To maintain a Godly value system that directs daily decisions. Gen. 24:thirty-three Col. 3:2
29. In order to submit to an unpleasant master. One Peter 2:18
30. To develop a mental alertness. 1 Peter 5:8
31. To be able to refuse negative peer pressure. Ex. 23:2
Daily Plan
Consistent Example Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
Consistent Teaching The proverbs of Solomon the actual son of David, full of Israel; To know
knowledge and instruction; to see the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man understanding and
discretion. Prov. 1 :1-4
Consistent Training and Maintenance Train up a child in the manner he should go: and when he's
old, he will not go away from it. Prov. Twenty two :6 Because sentence towards an evil work is not
really executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to perform 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 place you always in remembrance of those 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 in remembrance. 2 Peter one :12,13
Implementing Goals
For each goal that you desire to be fulfilled in your child, make a particular, long-range plan to see
your objective accomplished. Follow the pattern 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 chapel, appointments, class, etc. Do not 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 without wasting time (playing with pencils, walking around, talking,
daydreaming, etc.) As your children get older (of sufficient age to easily tell the time as well as 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 hired time, be in from outside perform at a certain time, etc. Teach your child the value of time -
how to use it sensibly, how to plan ahead, and how to function to meet deadlines and agendas (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:fourteen )
Training: Discipline in some manner when a responsibility to a particular time is avoided, ignored, or
forgotten. Let your son or daughter 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,
and so on.)
Maintaining Boundaries
1. Physical self-discipline, when necessary. He which 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 drive 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 joys of sin were permitted without any unpleasant consequences. If unpleasant
consequences are not arranged by parents now, the unpleasant consequences will come once 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 work 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