These have been general guidelines for training children, but in this message the focus is on disciplining and punishing for wrong-doing. If a Child Disobeys a Clear Instruction Don't try to find an easy, painless way out of an unpleasant situation. When the rod is used immediately and consistently for each disobedience, it is not associated with displeasure and rejection and anger. Some parents are afraid their children won't like them if they punish every disobedience, but if the rod is used consistently, the child looks at the switch as the normal result of disobedience. Remember to punish immediately after each violation of a clearly stated order.
Some parents fall into the trap of taking action only after continual warnings.
This usually leads to frustration and anger. The obedience should be immediate, and if it is not, the punishment should come at once. If a parent keeps nagging about minor matters, the child feels he can't ever do anything right. Mothers and dads often keep fussing about trivial matters because of their own feelings of inadequacy, or because of their desire to look like the perfect parent. They hope others see that they really are the boss.