My two children were happily eating a midmorning apple at the table, while I sat and tried to concentrate on writing the next Pulitzer quality blog post. After awhile, I became aware of a curious noise of something small hitting the kitchen floor. A child must have found some dried piece of food on the table and threw it on the floor. Giggles followed, and I, happy that the children were not fighting, typed away. Again, I heard the same curious noise. I started to pay closer attention. After all, it was a fresh tablecloth this morning and a fall centerpiece with a beautiful wreath of fake berries in fall colors.
Recognition dawned.
What should I do? I would not spank my children for destructive behavior, because generally I’ve considered the problem one of childishness and lack of understanding of the consequences of such things as standing on toys, drawing illustrations in a published book …. or jumping on the bed… And although I have a discipline plan for disobedience (do not jump on the bed), I cannot possibly think up all the things that a child should not do.
Are there any Scripture verses that might guide my instruction on the matter?
That is an interesting one and an issue that I don’t know that I have applied much scripture to. My mom had a statement that covered almost all offenses and I use it a lot – “that’s just not how ____ (wise, God fearing, loving, careful, etc) people act. The scripture that comes to my mind is Proverbs 14:1 “the wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down”. I know we usually would use this in marriage – but, children could certianly understand that they are tearing down their house – or a part of it.
Shelly, I do think this verse gives a broad principle that might apply. Scripture also makes a connection between a lazy person and wastefulness. I’ve got a full house of bright relatives, so I asked them this question. The best response was understanding that everything we own belongs to God. I think a four year old and an almost three year old can understand this. Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh from above.