While raising my two sons, who are now both in their 30’s, I discovered that there are some benefits to disciplining children that we rarely hear about. That is, in punishing one child for disobeying, we can teach the other children to obey. The Bible says: “Punish the insolent–make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.” (Proverbs 19:25 MSG) While my older son was growing up, he was a lot like me as a child—strong-willed and obstinate. He needed a firm hand, and my husband and I had to discipline him regularly. On the other hand, my younger son was more obedient and eager to please. And if you ask him why, even throughout his teenage years, he gave us little trouble, he will plainly tell you that it was mainly because he saw his older brother getting punished for doing wrong, and he wanted no part of it.
Scripture says: “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24 NLT) God expects us to discipline our children out of love for them, and respect for Him. When we do, it will not only benefit the child we are correcting, but it will also profit our other children, too. Pray that God will give you the wisdom and the courage you need, to give your children what they need!