1. The Development Of Self-Discipline In Children
The Young Child is continually withheld from many of his desires by physical limitations. We use
baby entrance, fences, locks on doors and cabinets (restricted places ), cribs, playpens, leashes, and
brief commands ("NO!" "yes !"). We carefully watch the young child; monitoring what he sees, where
he will go, and with whom he affiliates. These barriers are primarily for the purpose of protecting the
child through 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 Holy Spirit to avoid that which is
harmful to him.
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. 22 :15a Having foolishness in the heart, he is likely
to behave the part of a fool - a fool hath no enjoy understanding, but that his heart may discover itself
. Prov. 18:2 he constantly desires to venture into the "department store" of the flesh. NOthing is more
dangerous than allowing a child to "discover themself " at this age. The coronary heart is deceitful
above all things, 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 the
fleshly nature is regarded as a fascinating friend rather than seen 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
opponents -- 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 parents, you must become an external boundary
that restricts the fleshly nature of the kid until the time that he has established inner boundaries and
has internal help from the Lord. The outside obstacles must remain well past the crib-stage; the
obstacles now becoming more directed at the actual speech and actions (that 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 which God expects total mental (2 Cor. 10:five ) and
physical (1 Cor. 9:27a) self-discipline; the type 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 did 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
drawbacks (peer influence, poor discipline, poor spiritual environment, and so on.) outweigh the
advantages. The advantages are the ones 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 provide books, homework, long-term projects, etc. To school
complete as well as on time.
2. The hold off of the physical gratification/needs of walking about, bathroom split, water, etc.
3. The delay of the physical satisfaction of eating (only from lunch).
4. The denial of the desire to speak in order to concentrate on work.

2. 5. The actual denial of the desire to talk so as to help others work.
6. The delay of the desire to speak to cooperate during group work.
7. Assignments totally dictated by the instructor.
8. The denial associated with comfort to one's body (sitting upright on hard chairs).
9. A clean work environment (versus. Clutter, toys available, etc.).
10. A day scheduled in to definite, fixed time slots 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 associated with Salvation secured, but visiting Jesus Christ for help with self-discipline.
Correction from their 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 self-discipline, but much more guidance)
combined with his own emerging self-discipline nevertheless fails to keep his flesh under control. He
must eventually notice 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 understanding 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 we find not. Romans seven :18
Trust in his parents to assist "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 achieved this during the
teenage years, he can now say i will do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower in the enemy. Psalms 61:three The LORD is
my strength and my shield ; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped : therefore my heart significantly
rejoiceth; and with my song 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 using the
right hand of my personal righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Training in Self-Discipline
Your child "trusts in [his parents] with all of [his] heart; and [must not] lean not unto [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 constantly be alert for possibilities 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 son or daughter from excessive thoughts about or interest in the things of this
globe. And truly, if they have been mindful of that country through whence they came out, they may
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' responsibility !
3. Reconstruct verbalized ideas when they reflect desires of the flesh. For as he thinketh in his
heart, same with he. Prov. Twenty three :7
4. Indoctrinate in the Scriptural basis and practical application of self-discipline. Deut. 6:6,7 Is.
30:20,21
5. Point out good examples leading to success and failure - from the holy bible and from life. Now
all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, on whom
the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. 10:11 1 kings 1:5,6 judges 14:3
Mental Self-Discipline
1. Expect mental effort - considering, reasoning; and memorization of verses, facts from subjects,
poems, songs, etc. Your child's education should always have a measure of difficulty. Fun in training
has its place, but persistent work should be the main exercise. Thou therefore endure solidity, as a
good soldier associated with Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 Good training, by necessity, will involve
conflict with the fleshly nature of the child.
2. Train your child to be subservient to another's will, while at the same time training him to be
cautious about selecting people to follow (strangers, etc.). 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, looking for whom he may devour. One Peter 5:8
3. Train your child to have a pleasant attitude 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, because an excellent spirit was in him. Dan 6:3a And Jesus increased in knowledge and
stature, and in favor 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 told the first
time! It is poor instruction 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 repeated infractions and encouragement for success (without inflating self-
esteem). Ec. 8:11
3. Indoctrinate in the Biblical basis for physical self-discipline and teach the practical application of
physical self-discipline. 1 Cor.9:27
The Urgent Task
The time is short, and the times are evil! Ep. Five :16 You have a brief opportunity (which is sharply
reduced at 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 may 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 because preparation for future support for the Lord.
Train a child to become a useful servant from the Lord- strong in faith and in character! This is the

4. parents' responsibility, and is not to be assigned to the church or a religious school. Homeschool
parents possess a great advantage in character creating, but many, due to weariness or even
perceived inability, are ignoring character building while focusing on child-centered academics.
It will be difficult to place a hurdle 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 tend to be, perhaps, being
prepared for a more difficult life of service for the Lord. Do not fail these types of children in their
preparation by using 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 as well as 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. 11 :1
Training children in self-discipline takes much repetition of teaching and consistency in modification
and discipline. Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is old, he'll not depart from it.
Prov. 22:6 the rewards of careful work 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 an inner restraint against the wishes of the flesh - by giving 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 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 may be the beginning of
knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7
3. To encourage a total trust in the Lord for power 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 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 understand to weigh thoughts carefully before speaking. Ps. Thirty four :13 Prov. 13:3 ; 21:23
5. To be able to carry out 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. NIne :27
10. To keep thyself real. 1 Tim. 2:22 Phil 4:8
11. To maintain rule over his own nature (emotions). Prov. 25:28

5. 12. To complete a project through inception to completion. Ec. 10:18
13. To refuse the lust of the skin (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 utilize no expectation of instant 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 prior to him with contentment. Phil. 4:11
18. To rely upon the LORD with all thine coronary 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 liberty so as not to offend another person. 1 Cor.8:13
21. To develop mental discipline (Disciplined mind Disciplined body). 2 Cor. 10:5
22. To keep in work despite individual physical rebellion. Lam. 3 :27
23. To be a servant instead of a master. Mt. 23:11
24. To be accountable for one's individual name and family name (testimony). Prov. 22:1
26. To receive correction and discipline with a good attitude. Prov. Three :11; 15:10
27. To cooperate with the needs associated with others - to acknowledge his needs for the benefit of
a group. Ps. 133:1
28. To maintain a Godly value system that directs every day decisions. Gen. 24:33 Col. 3:2
29. In order to submit to an unpleasant master. 1 Peter 2:18
30. To build up 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 associated with me, even as I also 'm 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 get the instruction of knowledge,
justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty towards 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 is
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 do evil. Ec.
8:eleven Withhold not correction in 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 the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in
this tabernacle, to stir you upward by putting you within remembrance. 2 Peter 1 :12,13
Implementing Goals
For every goal that you desire to be fulfilled in your child, make a particular, long-range plan to see
your goal accomplished. Follow the pattern of:
EXAMPLE --TEACHING--TRAINING.
SAMPLE: Goal #1: self-discipline is needed to be accountable for the use of time.

6. Example: Be alert to time in your own life. Show a concern for your own use of time. Be on time to
chapel, 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 prepared for a specific bedtime, set the table prior to an
appointed time, be in from outside perform at a certain time, etc. Teach your child the value of your
time - how to use it wisely, 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, 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 son or daughter know that excuses such as "we forgot" will not be accepted!
discipline for wasted time when he is expected to be working (take time off from free/recess time,
etc.)
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. 13 :24 Foolishness is sure in the heart of a child; but the
fishing rod of correction shall generate 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. In the event that
unpleasant consequences are not organized by parents now, the 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). RElated to God, we would
also refer to this as "learning the hard way-by experience." Being confident 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 will and to do of their good pleasure. Phil. Two :13
Jeremiah 29