Discipline is hard, isn't it. Parents are all over the map regarding discipline. We love our kids. We don't want to punish them or take away fun activities. But should we? Are we bad parents if we do? Are we bad parents if we don't? Do grandparents overstep their authority if they discipline a grandchild ...or is that what God desires? Is discipline Biblical?

I'm the eldest of six kids. Our parents had very different discipline styles. We loved our Dad, but he was quick to fuss and yell, quick to discipline. Six kids in the house caused a lot of noise and chaos. His stress response to six rowdy kids was to yell ––- "You're grounded for a month!" A month? What did I do? We didn't know! We would trudge off to our room and wait. We knew exactly what would happen next. About 20 minutes later, Dad appeared at our bedroom door inviting us to come out. All was forgotten. Dad practiced Yo-Yo Discipline.

Mom, on the other hand, was always calm, cool, and collected. She was fun. She played games and colored with us. She gave a lot of grace. Mom was never quick to discipline. BUT when she did, she meant it and it stuck. No amount of begging, crying, or appealing would bring a reprieve. Mom believed it was important to stick to your word.

So I ask you –– Which parent would you be sure to obey? We loved our Dad, but his Yo-Yo Discipline didn't work.  Without consequences, kids don't learn the value of obedience. But Mom ... we NEVER messed with Mom!! We followed the rules. We knew she meant it!

God is our Heavenly Father, the Perfect Parent. Hebrews 12:11 says that God disciplines His children.  That's us.  Discipline has value and purpose.  It isn't pleasant at the time, but it produces good results.  We honor God by following His example. God's Word teaches us to discipline those we love, just as God disciplines us.   Yes, discipline is biblical.

The advice is the same for parents and grandparents: Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Stick to your word. When you show a consistent example, you are actually giving children loving boundaries that bring them a feeling of security.  Yo-Yo Discipline does not work.