Parenting is Not for the Faint of Heart

"Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." Proverbs 19:18 NIV

Wow! This verse kind of says it all.  If we don't discipline our children, we are an accessory to their downfall.  And the message is clear.  We have to discipline our children.  We don't negotiate.  We don't tolerate.  We don't just pray and hope they act like good people.  We must discipline.

I think a lot of moms feel like the task of disciplining belongs to fathers.  But they're wrong.  Justice is swift, consistent, and needs to be done when the child can connect their bad act with the consequences of the action.  That means that it's ok to spank your child when he's screaming in Super Target.  I mean, come on, you can't use time-out at Super Target.  Yes, it is legal for a parent or grandparent to spank in Texas, even in public places!  Section 9.61 of the Texas Penal Code and section 151.001 of the Texas Family Code both discuss the parental right and DUTY to discipline one's child. (But these sections do not apply to Foster children.)

§ 9.61. PARENT-CHILD.

(a) The use of force, but not 
deadly force, against a child younger than 18 years is justified:
  (1)  if the actor is the child's parent or stepparent or 
is acting in loco parentis to the child;  and
  (2)  when and to the degree the actor reasonably 
believes the force is necessary to discipline the child or to 
safeguard or promote his welfare. 

§ 151.001. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARENT.  (a) A parent of a 
child has the following rights and duties:
  (1)  the right to have physical possession, to direct 
the moral and religious training, and to designate the residence of 
the child;
  (2)  the duty of care, control, protection, and 
reasonable discipline of the child;

Just keep reminding yourself (I have to do this a lot), that if I discipline my son per the instructions of Proverbs, there is hope!