Training

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old is will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6 KJV  Another version puts it this way, "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it" Proverbs 22:6 NLT
  Now I am not a Biblical scholar by any means but I find it interesting the words used in those verses.  It says train and direct.  The dictionary says that train means, "to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of by discipline and instruction."  I have many parents in sessions that seem to focus more on the consequences and punishment.  I am in full support of having consequences for behaviors that need to be changed, I believe that is biblical.  I however, do not support a mentality of punishment in trying to change behavior.  This causes children to feel badly about themselves, become bitter about their upbringing and does not teach them to make good choices on their own.  I believe the language in the verses of train and direct were meant to encourage parents to teach, show, and explain right behaviors.  Someone who trains not only shows the other person how to do a certain thing but also models it so the trainee can see what it looks like to do it a certain way.  A balance of training and consequences can help your child to grow up feeling confident about making healthy choices for themselves, and making your job easier and less stressful. 

Questions to consider:
1)  Am I punishing to change behavior or training to change behavior?
2)  Am I using effective consequences that also teach?
3)  Do I treat my family/kids like my boss treats me?  Do I need to be a better so called "boss" at home?
4)  Have I read or looked into better training methods to use with my children?