Raising Children: Discipline Beyond Beating
As a modern parent, “chopping a wire” meant cutting off the Wi-Fi. It was not about removing the internet for just a single day. No, it was about removing it until my daughter's smartphone started to look like one of those original, ancient Nokia phones that can only text and call. It was an instant reality check. It didn’t leave a physical scar, but it certainly left a lasting impression. Some lessons are simply better taught with logic and strategy, depending on the child's age. We often think discipline requires a cane, a broom or a raised voice. We worry that if we don't react with force, we are being weak. Take the Bible verse that says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” We have all interpreted this in our own way. In African homes, this has traditionally meant breaking almost every tree branch in the compound to instill discipline. But I love how that verse specifically says “careful...