	Parent's Resource Center

Underdiscipline

We are told to: Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. Proverbs 19:8.

UNDERDISCIPLINE might occur in these ways:

Giving in to the demands of the child. (Been watching at the supermarket checkout stands lately?)
Threatening the child but never following through with the discipline.
Threatening 3 or 4 times before administering disciplinary action. One warning should be the limit. "Obedience should be quick, cheerful, and complete."
Inconsistency. Punishing after one occurrence; ignoring it the next. (This is actually the surest way to continue a negative behavior.)
Mom and Dad disagreeing on whether to discipline.
Protection and/or interference by grandparents.
Hollering at the child. (The fastest way to let him know he has gained control over you.)
Not suiting the discipline to the offense. (Swearing at Mom deserves more than a "Watch your language, Son.")