How do we set rules and boundaries for our children without closing the door to communication with them if they break those rules?
A parent’s job has never been an easy one and the times in which we live exacerbate an already difficult task. But, daunting as it may be, we are responsible for all aspects of our children’s training and welfare. The Bible gives us some good advice. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother— which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)
In these scriptures God is admonishing us as parents to set rules for our children that are reasonable and moral. A parent should explain the reason that the rules are important for the child’s well being. A child needs to feel that the parent cares enough to supervise his comings and goings. To prepare her for that time, you need to talk with her about what she can and cannot do and why. Once you have done this, you need to have consequences for violation of your rules. Even though she may complain, she will respect you. At her young age, you are responsible for your daughter’s actions, not her.
Although disciplining a child is hard on both the parent and the child, it is necessary and worthwhile.Your child will thank you later. As the Apostle Paul says in Hebrews 12:7-9 and 11,
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:7-9,11