Will Beating Your Child Bring Results

Can beating your child really bring results? The recent case of the Texas judge beating his child because the teen consistently defied the father's request to stop downloading music and movies from the internet, I wonder why the dad didn't just take the computer away. It certainly is a more effective way to make the child realize the consequences of disobedience.

When I think of parents beating their children in the hopes of making them behave, I wonder what the parent is thinking. Perhaps the beating arises from pent up frustrations because other methods have not worked. But I question the parents' ability to apply consistent discipline.

Spanking a child is not beating a child. Spanking is most appropriate for young children. The older the child, the more discipline aids the parent has at his or her disposal. Restricting the activities of an older child usually brings compliance more quickly because an older child can realize that certain behaviors will result in loss of privilege.

Good parenting involves consistent reasonable discipline. God teaches us not to discipline our children with anger that only fuels the rebellion. Rather to apply discipline in a consistent, loving manner:

• Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. (Prov. 19:18)
• Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. (Prov. 29:17)
• The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. (Prov 29:15)
• He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. (Prov 13.24)

While the word "rod" conjures up images of sticks and belts, God is not saying to beat your child with a belt or stick. Parents have many "rods" at their disposal:

• Time-out 
• No television 
• No computer 
• No social event

Using these rods in a consistent way will help your child to understand that actions have consequence. And these rods may have a better effect than a belt.

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