2. Reproof or punishment: Reproof is usually used for 1 st offenders, childish irresponsibilities, immature behaviour, accidental breaking of dishes and other not too serous offences.

3. Serious verbal warnings would also be a form of discipline.

4. Denial of certain privileges for an agreed length of time could also be a form of discipline.

5. Glances of disapproval and separation fT~from others could be a form of discipline fOr a misbehaving child.

12 GREAT HINTS ON CHILD DISCIPLINE

1. Be consistent in disciplinary issues. Don't use double standard as this may border on favouritism or partiality.

2. Both parents should speak with one voice when it comes to child discipline. Don't disagree over discipline in the presence of the children even if you don't fully support how the discipline was meted out, secretly signal to your spouse to stop, you can then discuss in private.

3. Realize and use your God-given authority to correct the child.

4. Remember they are still children so make allowance for mistakes. Don't be too strict nor too negligent to ignore the child.

5. Let the child know his offence before you discipline him or her.

6. Avoid shouting when scolding or reproofing a child.

7. Let the weight of the punishment be equal to the offence committed.

8. Forget a punished offence and don't make constant reference to it.

9. Encourage your child when he behaves well.

10. Remember everything you praise, appreciates. As you shower love and praises on your child instead of abusive curses he will tend to appreciate. He will put in more effort to please you in order to earn more praises.

11. It is interesting to note that as many as eleven chapters of the book of Proverbs deal with teachings on child discipline. This proves the great importance of discipline. However, you must remember that discipline should be corrective not punitive. Always remember to tell your child why he is being punished e.g. Mother could sternly say to her kneeling child, "Ade, see how you have allowed the devil to deceive you to steal, that money, he further encouraged you to lie to cover up your sin. Now he is busy laughing at you, while you are crying and regretting. What a shame!!!" Ade will most likely be sober and repentant. this could lead to his apologising to his mother who will lead him to seek for God's forgiveness, promising never to do it again.

4. When you punish a child with the right hand, remember to draw him close with the left. Let your child always be assured that you love him but hate his sins. This build confidence between children and parent. It also prevents pretences to be good in your presence and while he is terrible in your absence. There is a great joy in letting your child be himself. Children are interesting to watch when they are not conscious of prying eyes.

* About the Author: Pastor (Mrs) Ronke Adekoya is a seasoned educationist with a divine mandate to raise a Godly generation for a glorious future. She is a product of Queen's School Ibadan, University of Ife and the L.I.F.E Theological Seminary, Ikorodu. Her passion for children and experience of over 2 decades motivated her to write inspiring and corrective books to enable children ministers perform more effectively.