Don't Make Me Count to Three: a Mom's Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline

• Wise Words For Moms
• Shepherding a Child's Heart
• Teach Them Diligently: How To Use The Scriptures In Child Training
• My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts
• Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes...in You and Your Kids

Rating : - Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater
Plowman does an excellent job of explaining how to use scripture to teach and guide your children. She gives everyday examples that make it very clear and practical. I have found that speaking scripture to my children is a very liberating way of disciplining them. God has already given me wonderful truths to speak to them and plant in their hearts. Since I don't have to come up with my own words "in the heat of the moment," I find myself more calm and patient as I teach them.

At the same time, this book has actually reinforced my belief that I should not spank my kids. Plowman discusses "biblical" spanking (as chastisement, when God's will has been violated) and when it is inappropriate (your will has been violated and you're angry). Honestly, I am unable to spank without feeling angry -- that action just does not match a calm and restrained demeanor. And I don't think it's a lack of faith on my part. I am not a biblical literalist and I believe there are other ways to apply "the rod" of discipline than actually hitting my children.

I agree with Plowman that my job is to point my children to Christ by helping them see their sin and discovering God's mercy. I agree that I fail my kids if I tell them what not to do without giving them the truth about what God wants them to do. My children have responded to this and are more loving and obedient -- without spanking.
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