Here's The Strategy
You know, the Bible gives an outline for a godly approach to discipline. There are four aspects that apply to disciplining children, regardless of their age. First, you teach them. From the very beginning a child needs to learn right and wrong, obedience, and respect for authority. Second, reproof. This is the process of pointing out what is wrong with a particular behavior. Third, correction. Bringing the child back to the right way. Fourth, training in righteousness. This includes ongoing coaching, positive re-enforcement, and day-to-day encouragement that every person needs.
One final thought. We all want children that are well-behaved and possess good manners. If you can apply these four aspects of parenting, and if you can be consistent with them, it's likely that you'll be pleased with the result when your child grows up.
I'm Dennis Rainey, and that's Real Family Life.