1. The Development Of Self-Discipline In Children
The Young Child is constantly withheld from many of his desires by physical restrictions. We use
baby entrance, fences, locks on doors and cabinets (restricted areas ), cribs, playpens, leashes, and
brief commands ("NO!" "indeed !"). We carefully watch the young child; monitoring what he or she
sees, where he will go, and with whom he affiliates. These barriers are primarily for the purpose of
protecting the child through himself - from their own desire to seek his own may prior to an age when
he has knowledge, self-discipline, anxiety when the Lord, or help from the Holy Spirit to resist that
which is harmful to him.
The School-Age Child is still in bondage under the elements of the world. Gal. 4:three Foolishness
is bound in the heart of a child. Prov. 22 :15a Having foolishness in the 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 constantly desires to venture into the actual "department store" of the flesh. NOthing is more
dangerous than allowing a child to "discover himself " at this age. The coronary heart is deceitful
above all points, and desperately wicked: who can 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 thought to be a fascinating friend rather than observed to contain no good
thing. Rom. 7:18 As a parent, you must safeguard him from his own worst enemy - his flesh, 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 outer
boundary that restricts the actual fleshly nature of the kid until the time that he has established inner
boundaries and has inner help from the Lord. The outside barriers must remain well beyond the crib-
stage; the barriers now becoming more directed at the speech and actions (which arise from the
thoughts). Growing up gets older, curiosity about the external world and his body's desires increases,
and the pull of 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 present his body as a
living 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 has some advantages, although in many Christian schools the
drawbacks (peer influence, poor discipline, poor spiritual environment, and so on.) outweigh the
advantages. The advantages are the ones that greatly help to build 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 deliver books, homework, long-term assignments, etc. To
school complete as well as on time.
2. The delay 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 denial of the desire to speak so as to concentrate on work.

2. 5. The denial of the desire to talk so as to help others function.
6. The delay from the desire to speak to cooperate during group work.
7. Assignments totally dictated by the instructor.
8. The denial of comfort to one's body (sitting upright 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 to the outside barriers to speech and behavior, should, by the
teenage years, have become a schoolmaster to bring [your child] on to Christ (Gal. 3:24 ); not only in
the sense associated with Salvation secured, but coming to 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 in the teenage years, he
has recognized that outward control (still some barriers and discipline, but much more guidance)
coupled 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 knowledge of for I know that within 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 who is able to help from within his heart. If, having achieved this during the
teenage many 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 protect ; my heart trusted in him, and I am assisted : therefore
my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:7 As he as soon as trusted
in his parents, a teenager should now place their trust in the Lord. Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy god : 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 mother or father, you are his guide, their protector (from the world, his
flesh, and the devil), and his external barrier to that that he desires to do that might develop poor
habits and, consequently, poor character. Unlearned and not foreseeing the future, a child generally
lives for today as a slave to their flesh. Parents must constantly be alert for possibilities to direct the
mind toward an organized, Biblically-based, inner control of thoughts, 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 son or daughter from excessive thoughts about or interest in the things of this
globe. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country through whence they came out, they might
have had opportunity to have returned. Hebrews 11:15 Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of it

3. are the problems of life. Prov. 4 :23 "Keeping" a kid's heart is the parents' obligation !
3. Reconstruct verbalized ideas when they reflect desires of the flesh. For as 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:six,7 Is.
30:twenty,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: plus they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world 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 of verses, facts from topics,
poems, songs, etc. Your child's education should always have a measure of difficulty. Fun in training
has its place, but diligent work should be the main activity. Thou therefore endure solidity, as a good
soldier of 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 training
him to be cautious about choosing people to follow (strangers, etc.). Obey them that have the actual
rule over you, and submit yourselves. Heb. 13:17a Be sober, be vigilant; because your foe 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 attitude in all things. Work as faithfully on attitude as you
do on the training of physical discipline. Then this Daniel was preferred above the 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 barriers to unwanted actions. NEed desired actions when informed the first
time! It is poor instruction to allow your child the "pleasurable sin" of delayed behavior training (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 short, and the times are evil! Ep. 5 :16 You have a brief chance (which is sharply reduced
in the arrival of the teenage years ) to instill the psychological "operating system" that will guide your
child for a lifetime. There is no time to "appreciate " the antics of a child with little self-discipline.
Should you laugh and think that junior's undisciplined habits are "cute," a person and he will pay a
dear price - a child 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 years as a child is the time to
train the future grownup. View all training as preparation for future service for the Lord. Train a child
to become a useful servant of the Lord- strong in belief and in character! This is the parents'

4. responsibility, and is not to be delegated to the church or a christian school. Homeschool parents
possess a great advantage in character building, but many, due to weariness or even perceived
inability, are neglecting character building while focusing on child-centered academics.
It is going to be difficult to place a barrier around your child's fleshly nature. 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 set by the "trainers." While you might need 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 of Christ. 1 Cor. Eleven :1
Training children in self-discipline takes much repetition of teaching and consistency in correction and
discipline. Train up a child in the way he is going : and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov.
22:6 the rewards of careful attendance to character building are great ! The "yield" is the peaceable
fruit of righteousness! Heb. 12:11 it is possible to produce a delightful teenager!
General Goals
1. To build a good inner restraint against the wishes of the flesh - by giving consistent outer
restraints and 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 train 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:eleven The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but
fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7
3. To encourage a total trust in the Lord for strength and direction (recognizing that help with
restraint is necessary). Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not really unto thine own
understanding. Prov. 3:5 to LORD, I know that the clear 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 be 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. 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 perform unpleasant tasks without distress. 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 pure. 1 Tim. 2:twenty two Phil 4:8
11. To keep rule over his own nature (emotions). Prov. 25:28

5. 12. To complete a project from inception to completion. Ec. 10:18
13. To deny the lust of the skin (unavailable/wrong material or physical desires). Luke 9:23
14. To delay legitimate self-gratification; to become content with withheld desires. Phil. 4:11,12
15 to utilize no expectation of immediate 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 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 refuse feelings and choose to do what is right. 1 Kings 18 :21
20. To give up a liberty 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 keep in work despite personal physical rebellion. Lam. Three :27
23. To be a servant instead of a master. Mt. 23:11
24. To be accountable for one's individual 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 benefit
of a group. Ps. 133:1
28. To maintain a Godly worth system that directs daily decisions. Gen. 24:thirty-three Col. 3:2
29. To submit to an unpleasant master. 1 Peter 2:18
30. To develop a mental alertness. 1 Peter 5:8
31. In order to refuse negative peer pressure. Ex. 23:2
Daily Plan
Consistent Example Be ye followers associated with me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
Consistent Teaching The proverbs of Solomon the actual son of David, king of Israel; To know
wisdom and instruction; to see the words of understanding; to get the instruction of wisdom, justice,
and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty towards the simple, to the young man knowledge 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 depart from it. Prov. 22 :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:eleven Withhold not correction from 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 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 1 :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.
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 time. Be on time to
chapel, appointments, class, etc. Do not 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 with out wasting time (playing with pencils, walking around, talking,
daydreaming, and so on.) As your children get older (of sufficient age 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 (with
the use of 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 play 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 function to meet deadlines and schedules
(long and short-range). Have him memorize verses having to do with time, laziness, slothfulness,
sluggishness, unfaithfulness, etc. (Prov. 24:38-30-34; 18:9; 26:fourteen )
Training: Discipline in some way when a responsibility to a certain time is avoided, overlooked, or
forgotten. Let your child know that excuses such as "we forgot" will not be accepted! self-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 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 benefit due to a failure in the obligation to do that
which was taught. When self-discipline fails, the old nature will be reinforced/encouraged-because the
pleasures of sin were permitted without any unpleasant consequences. If unpleasant consequences
are not organized by parents now, the actual unpleasant consequences will come when the child
becomes an adult. (Ec. 8:11)
3. Natural consequences - those regrettable things that happen as a result of disobedience
(perhaps disobedience that is not instantly discovered by a parent). RElated to God, we would also
make reference to this as "learning hard way-by experience." Being confident of this very thing, that
he that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the 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. Two :13
Jeremiah 29