Discipline

While reading Richard B. Miller’s address titled, “Who’s the Boss? Power Relationships in Families” I was struck by his discussion regarding discipline.  One of the most challenging parts of parenthood for me has been disciplining my children.  Not necessarily because I do not want to punish them, but rather because I am worried about choosing the best course of punishment, how to enact it, and how to be consistent with it.  My children are four years old and under and so their needs, expectations, maturity, and development are rapidly changing.  It is necessary for my disciplining techniques to adjust as well, which isn’t always any easy task.
Spencer W. Kimball said, “Discipline is probably one of the most important elements in which a mother and father can lead and guide and direct their children…. Setting limits to what a child can do means to that child that you love him and respect him. If you permit the child to do all the things he would like to do without any limits, that means to him that you do not care much about him”.  I know this to be true.  I came from a home where discipline was threatened often but never followed through.  I remember feeling frustrated at the inconsistency and eventually it led me to not respect the words of my mother.
I am grateful for my role as a mother and the opportunity it gives me to teach and guide my children. Although disciplining my children isn’t my favorite part I know that it is vital to them growing up to be trustworthy, resilient, obedient adults.  I am also grateful for the unity my husband and I have in regard to this difficult parenting task.  I could not be the mother I am today if it wasn’t for my spouse. I am also thankful for the guidance I receive from my loving Heavenly Father.  He is the creator of my children and I want nothing more than to raise them according to His will.