Time Out

We were asked extensively in our home study interviews about our preferred method of discipline.  Our references were even asked if they'd witness us disciplining our children.  In my autobiography I wrote:

"As each of our children are so different in age and disposition, we have learned to meet each child as God meets them, with unconditional love for who God created them to be and what God has uniquely planned for their lives. We have learned to model grace and forgiveness for our children whenever possible. Whenever they do harm to another person, they must apologize and ask for forgiveness. Whenever they have been wronged, they are asked to grant forgiveness. We view discipline more as a means to teach our children than to punish them. When they are in need of correction, often they are asked to sit in a time-out to think about what they need to do to clear up the problem they created. In special cases, we remove privileges. Often, their correction is based on “the punishment fits the crime.” We have also found that what works for one child on one day may not work for that same child on another day and definitely may not work for another child on any day. Parenting is a very fluid undertaking. We read many, many books, rely heavily on the wisdom in the Bible, and are continuously trying to work together to refine our relationships with our children. Our goal as parents is to train them to be responsible, balanced, hard-working adults who love God and serve Him well."

Given this, I find it very interesting when one of the kids "reenacts" our discipline methods, either on a sibling, or a doll, or another object.  It gives me a good idea of how they perceive my tone of voice, language, etc.  Today, Sarah was coloring with her markers at the table.  The boys and I were amused to hear her exclaim over and over, in a convincingly firm voice, "You in time-out. You not fall off table.  You stay.  You in time out."  Those disobedient markers need a little discipline!